Sociologists Salary by State
The national median pay for sociologists is $106,030 a year. By state, it ranges from $46,950 in Florida to $140,770 in Illinois.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $65,160
- 25th percentile
- $82,300
- Median
- $106,030
- 75th percentile
- $137,420
- Top 10%
- $172,550
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 2,260 jobs.
Median pay in 11 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $140,770 | +33% | $76,320 | $229,480 | Not published |
| 2 | Kentucky | $136,870 | +29% | $102,540 | $162,350 | 30 |
| 3 | North Carolina | $126,760 | +20% | $69,980 | $212,260 | 170 |
| 4 | California | $125,770 | +19% | $85,030 | $161,710 | 590 |
| 5 | Alaska | $108,170 | +2% | $65,340 | $152,620 | 40 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $106,530 | 0% | $65,400 | $190,440 | 250 |
| 7 | Maryland | $100,660 | −5% | $67,770 | $162,680 | 50 |
| 8 | Washington | $97,170 | −8% | $80,640 | $138,000 | 130 |
| 9 | Michigan | $88,040 | −17% | $52,520 | $158,420 | 90 |
| 10 | Ohio | $78,850 | −26% | $68,040 | $104,560 | 130 |
| 11 | Florida | $46,950 | −56% | $39,150 | $171,360 | 160 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Sociologists salary questions
Which state pays sociologists the most?
Illinois, with a median of $140,770 a year (+33% vs. the national median of $106,030). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays sociologists the least?
Florida, with a median of $46,950 a year (−56% vs. national).
Where do most sociologists work?
California has the most jobs, about 590, with a median of $125,770.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.