Variant of NAICS 1997 - Goods and services

41-91 - Services

54 - Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

This sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this sector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this sector are legal services industries, accounting and related services industries, architectural, engineering and related services industries, surveying and mapping services industries, design services industries, management, scientific and technical consulting services industries, scientific research and development services industries, and advertising services industries.

The distinguishing feature of this sector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this sector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this sector.

541 - Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this subsector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this subsector are legal services industries, accounting and related services industries, architectural, engineering and related services industries, surveying and mapping services industries, design services industries, management, scientific and technical consulting services industries, scientific research and development services industries, and advertising services industries.

The distinguishing feature of this subsector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this subsector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this subsector.

• Example Activities:

  • Laboratories (see specific type)

5415 - Computer Systems Design and Related Services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing expertise in the field of information technologies through one or more activities, such as writing, modifying, testing and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer, including the creation of Internet home pages; planning and designing computer systems that integrate hardware, software and communication technologies; on-site management and operation of clients' computer and data processing facilities; providing advice in the field of information technologies; and other professional and technical computer-related services.

54151 - Computer Systems Design and Related Services

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing expertise in the field of information technologies through one or more activities, such as writing, modifying, testing and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer, including the creation of Internet home pages; planning and designing computer systems that integrate hardware, software and communication technologies; on-site management and operation of clients' computer and data processing facilities; providing advice in the field of information technologies; and other professional and technical computer-related services.

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:

  • retailing computer hardware and software and providing support services (See 44312 Computer and Software Stores)
  • publishing packaged software (See 51121 Software Publishers)
  • providing data processing services (See 51421 Data Processing Services)