Sociologists Salary in California
Sociologists in California earn a median of $125,770 a year, +19% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $125,770
- vs. U.S. median
- +19% ($106,030)
- Rank among states
- 4 of 11
- Jobs in the state
- 590
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $85,030; the top 10% earn over $161,710. Nationally the range is $65,160 to $172,550.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$127,680 median in California
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$124,890 median in California
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$128,370 median in California
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$127,170 median in California
- Anthropologists and Archeologists$72,240 median in California
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$125,640 median in California
Sociologists pay in California
How much do sociologists make in California?
The median is $125,770 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $85,030 and the top 10% earn over $161,710. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for sociologists?
On pay alone it ranks 4 of 11 (+19% vs. the national median of $106,030). Living costs are not included.