Sociologists
SOC Code: 19-3041Also known as:
Clinical Evaluator, Clinical Sociologist, Criminologist, Demographer, Evaluation Specialist
Median Annual Salary
$101,690
+3.6% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Sociologists 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.
💰 Salary
$101,690
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,400
Projected Employment (2034)
3,600
Related Careers
Survey researchers
$63,380 •
-5.2% growth
Anthropologists and archeologists
$64,910 •
+3.7% growth
Political scientists
$139,380 •
-3.1% growth
Sociology teachers, postsecondary
$82,540 •
+2.1% growth
Social work teachers, postsecondary
$76,210 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
- Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Doctoral Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Sociologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a sociologists:
Sociology, General
31,211 degrees awarded •
1,059 colleges offer this program
Criminology
10,365 degrees awarded •
234 colleges offer this program
Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods
1,929 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Urban Studies/Affairs
1,343 degrees awarded •
93 colleges offer this program
Sociology and Anthropology
496 degrees awarded •
49 colleges offer this program
Medical/Health Humanities
352 degrees awarded •
29 colleges offer this program
Demography and Population Studies
112 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Applied/Public Sociology
105 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Rural Sociology
61 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Survey Research/Methodology
13 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Sociologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become sociologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sociologists make?
The median annual salary for sociologists is $101,690.
What education do sociologists need?
Most sociologists positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Sociology, General, Criminology, Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.
Is becoming sociologists a good career choice?
Sociologists is projected to see +3.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for sociologists?
Top colleges for aspiring sociologists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Irvine, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of Chicago.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to sociologists?
Sociologists may also be known as: Clinical Evaluator, Clinical Sociologist, Criminologist, Demographer, Evaluation Specialist, Family Sociologist, Medical Sociologist, Penologist, Policy Advisor, Policy Analyst, Policy Officer, Program Evaluator, Research Associate, Research Coordinator, Research Scientist, Research Specialist, Rural Sociologist, Social Scientist, Social Welfare Research Worker, Sociologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.