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.
What it pays
Sociologists earn a median of $50.98/hr — about $106,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $31.33/hr; the top 10% earn $82.96/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Sociologists earn a median of $50.98/hr — about $106,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $31.33/hr; the top 10% earn $82.96/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
The feel of the work
Much of the day is spent working solo; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 3% of sociologists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, people-focused and creative.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Biological Scientists, All Other
- School Psychologists
- Chemists
Quick questions
- How much does a sociologist make?
- The median pay is $50.98 per hour — roughly $106,000 a year, with the real range running from about $31.33/hr (10th percentile) to $82.96/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a sociologist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
- What does a sociologist actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.