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.
Also called: Clinical Evaluator, Clinical Sociologist, Criminologist, Demographer, Evaluation Specialist, Family Sociologist
Median pay
$106,030
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$65,160 – $172,550
People employed
2,260
Holland code
ISA
Investigative · Social · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 6.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 7.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 8.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
Sociologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (11 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What sociologists do
- 01Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
- 02Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
- 03Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
- 04Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- 05Teach sociology.
- 06Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Sociology and Anthropology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- History and Archeology
Work styles that stand out
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from sociologists
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary89% · −8%
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary87% · −21%
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary84% · −6%
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary82% · +17%
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary80% · −20%
Change into sociologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary87% · $84,290
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary86% · $98,070
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary85% · $77,570
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary80% · $99,650
- History Teachers, Postsecondary80% · $83,820
Majors that lead here
- Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods
- Survey Research/Methodology
- Criminology
- Demography and Population Studies
- Applied Demography
- Demography, Other
- Sociology, General
- Applied/Public Sociology
- Rural Sociology
- Sociology, Other
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Sociology and Anthropology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.