Sociologists
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 by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 40 | $80,310 | $38.61 | |
| California | 860 | $102,230 | $49.15 | |
| Illinois | $117,710 | $56.59 | ||
| Indiana | $56,770 | $27.29 | ||
| Maryland | $91,310 | $43.90 | ||
| Massachusetts | 120 | $99,040 | $47.62 | |
| Michigan | 90 | $73,620 | $35.39 | |
| Minnesota | 40 | $69,050 | $33.20 | |
| New Jersey | 90 | $79,810 | $38.37 | |
| New York | $97,170 | $46.72 | ||
| North Carolina | 200 | $110,000 | $52.89 | |
| Ohio | 90 | $76,250 | $36.66 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the design of research studies, measurement of variables, data analysis, and formulation of models. Includes instruction in experimental, quasi-experimental, and case study methods; historical research; participant observation; questionnaire design; sampling theory; and statistical methods.
A program that focuses on the systematic study of crime as a sociopathological phenomenon, the behavior of criminals, and the social institutions evolved to respond to crime. Includes instruction in the theory of crime, psychological and social bases of criminal behavior, social value systems and the theory of punishment, criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, social attitudes and policy, and applications to specific issues in law enforcement administration and policy.
A program that focuses on the systematic study of population models and population phenomena, and related problems of social structure and behavior. Includes instruction in population growth, spatial distribution, mortality and fertility factors, migration, dynamic population modeling, population estimation and projection, mathematical and statistical analysis of population data, population policy studies, and applications to problems in economics and government planning.
A program of study that focuses on the practical application of demographic methods and materials for decision-making in business, education, health, and government. Includes instruction in statistics, research methods, geographic information systems, and demographic methods and techniques.
A program that focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.
A program that focuses on the application of sociological theory, methods, skills, and research to resolve particular issues in real-world settings. Includes instruction in data collection, group and organizational dynamics, participatory action research, program evaluation, sociological research methods, and sociological theory.
A program that focuses on the structure and function of rural societies. Includes instruction in sociological theory, research methods, statistics, sociology of agriculture, community development, social and economic development, demography, rural poverty, gender roles in rural societies, and environmental sociology.
A program that focuses on the application of social science principles to the study of urban institutions and the forces influencing urban social and political life. Includes instruction in urban theory, the development and evolution of urban areas, urban sociology, principles of urban and social planning, and the politics and economics of urban government and services.
A program that combines sociology and anthropology to study how society is organized, the origins and development of social institutions, social change, social organizations, race, class, gender and culture.
A program that explores the ethical, historical, literary, philosophical, and religious dimensions of medicine or health. Includes instruction in art, cultural studies, economics, ethics, history, literature, medical anthropology, philosophy, religion and spiritual thought, science and technology, visual art, and writing.
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$96,260 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Master's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as sociologists.
- Less than high school 1%
- High school graduate 2%
- College dropout 6%
- Associate’s degree 4%
- Bachelor’s degree 33%
- Master’s degree 39%
- Doctorate degree 16%
Similar Careers
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Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$87,850 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Political Scientists$120,430 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Anthropologists and Archeologists$66,800 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Social Science Research Assistants$56,430 per year Average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$77,650 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate