Sociologists
SOC code 19-3041 · O*NET-SOC 19-3041.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering
Sociologists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$106,030
a year
Hourly
$50.98
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$114,920
$55.25 per hour
Middle 50%
$82,300 – $137,420
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$65,160 – $172,550
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
2,260
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $65,160
- $31.33/hr
- 25th percentile
- $82,300
- $39.57/hr
- Median percentile
- $106,030
- $50.98/hr
- 75th percentile
- $137,420
- $66.07/hr
- 90th percentile
- $172,550
- $82.96/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
3,400
jobs in 2024
3,600
projected for 2034
About 200 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a sociologist do?
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
- Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
- Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- Teach sociology.
- Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
- Present research findings at professional meetings.
- Explain sociological research to the general public.
How to become a sociologist
Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Doctoral Degree50%
- Master's Degree30%
- Bachelor's Degree10%
- Post-Doctoral Training10%
Common questions
How much does a sociologist earn?
The national median is $106,030 a year. The full range runs from $65,160 at the 10th percentile to $172,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a sociologist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is sociologist in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.1/5
- Speaking4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Learning4.0/5
- Learning Strategies3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Sociology and Anthropology5.0/5
- English Language4.6/5
- Education and Training4.2/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- History and Archeology3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Law and Government3.2/5
- Psychology3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Instructing, Complex Problem Solving.