Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Sociologists
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.
Table of contents
What they do
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.
- Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
- Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
- Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Sociologists prepare publications and reports containing research findings. They analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
A typical day for a Sociologist will also include:
- Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
- Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
- Develop approaches to the solution of groups’ problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
- Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
- Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Sociologists also teach sociology. They may also develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Sociologists analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior. They might also collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
In addition, they observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
To some Sociologists, it is also their responsibility to develop approaches to the solution of groups’ problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
78% said they were satisfied with their job and 76% said they found their job meaningful.
When I was a full-time college professor (I eventually became a tenured associate professor) and the creator and coordinator of an academic program, I taught afternoon and evening hybrid (in-person course sessions and with online materials) courses Monday-Thursday. I did not teach on Fridays. My students ranged from ages 17-75. I am a Black woman activist sociologist which means most of my time is spent in communities, focusing on practical application, and I required students to do off-campus interactions for course assignments. Most students appreciated this requirement to engage in off-campus event attendance and volunteerism. Some students achieved internships and jobs from these opportunities. In addition, I conduct qualitative research through participant observations and interviews in my areas of specialization which include Black mental health, Black suicide, Black childfree-by-choice, and demographic-cultural-based mental health training for law enforcement and first responders.
I am no longer a full-time college professor. Now I use my sociology, criminology, and criminal justice expertise to further activism, further practical application, I am on committees and board of directors and do community involvement and my business 365 Diversity. I also do grant writing for a small local women-led and partly Black-led non-profit organization that is connected with a two-third Black-led and two-third women-led small local coffeehouse and restaurant.
As I explain to communities and to K-12 students and college students, getting a formal education does not mean we only have one option for a job and career. Sociologists provide our expertise in many jobs and careers locally, nationally, and around the world including small non-profits, large non-profits, for-profit organizations, businesses, and government agencies.
Pros
As a professor, the pro was being an educator to challenge students to think beyond what they learned since childhood.
Cons
As a professor, the con was professors at most colleges and universities invest in educating and student outcomes, however, school accreditation agencies are not interested in inclusion and equity in colleges and universities. That is not part of annual program evaluations and annual evaluations and assessments from the dean’s offices and school presidents. That is why it is up to academic programs and schools to take action in creating safe environments and successful environments for people with underserved and minoritized demographics-identities-experiences.
Pros
Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Very high salary (top 25% highest paid careers).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to start and carry out projects.
It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Sociologists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $52,640 to $65,680 per year or $25 to $32 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $143,020 | $69 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $111,910 | $54 |
| Median | $86,110 | $41 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $65,680 | $32 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $52,640 | $25 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Sociologists based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities | $131690 | $63.31 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $105930 | $50.93 |
| State Government | $89810 | $43.18 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $76410 | $36.74 |
| Local Government | $75470 | $36.28 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Sociologists work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Sociologists including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 1180 | $105930 | $50.93 |
| State Government | 470 | $89810 | $43.18 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 460 | $76410 | $36.74 |
| Local Government | 80 | $75470 | $36.28 |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities | 30 | $131690 | $63.31 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Medical/Health Humanities
Sociology and Anthropology
Urban Studies/Affairs
Rural Sociology
Applied/Public Sociology
Sociology
Applied Demography
Demography and Population Studies
Criminology
Survey Research/Methodology
Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
They also like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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