The field of sociology is devoted to studying the development and structure of human society and social behavior. Sociology students explore patterns of social interaction, the importance of culture, and how society impacts human behavior.
This guide includes information about the projected salary outlook for potential careers in sociology and helpful resources for students and professionals looking to advance in the field.
How much does a Sociology Degree make?
As of Oct 17, 2023, the average annual pay for the Sociology Degree jobs category in the United States is $80,711 a year.
Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $38.80 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,552/week or $6,725/month.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $110,500 and as low as $41,000, the majority of salaries within the Sociology Degree jobs category currently range between $69,000 (25th percentile) to $95,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $103,500 annually across the United States. The average pay range for a Sociology Degree job varies greatly (by as much as $26,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Sociology Degree job market in both Lagos, NG and throughout the entire state of is not very active as few companies are currently hiring. People working within the Sociology Degree category in your area are making on average $69,653 per year, or $5 (0.066%) less than the national average annual salary of $80,711. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Sociology Degree job salaries.
To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Sociology Degree jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.
Find your next high paying job within the Sociology Degree category on ZipRecruiter today.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Sociology Degree Jobs
We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Sociology Degree job is above the national average. Topping the list is Richmond, CA, with Bellevue, WA and Maricopa, CA close behind in the second and third positions. Maricopa, CA beats the national average by $17,340 (21.5%), and Richmond, CA furthers that trend with another $20,506 (25.4%) above the $80,711 average.
With these 10 cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations in the Sociology Degree jobs category appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
Finally, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top ten cities varies very little at 8% between Richmond, CA and Glendale, CA, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a Sociology Degree role.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, CA | $101,217 | $8,434 | $1,946 | $48.66 |
| Bellevue, WA | $100,879 | $8,406 | $1,939 | $48.50 |
| Maricopa, CA | $98,051 | $8,170 | $1,885 | $47.14 |
| Federal Way, WA | $95,811 | $7,984 | $1,842 | $46.06 |
| Stamford, CT | $95,174 | $7,931 | $1,830 | $45.76 |
| San Francisco, CA | $94,389 | $7,865 | $1,815 | $45.38 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $94,373 | $7,864 | $1,814 | $45.37 |
| Pasadena, CA | $94,304 | $7,858 | $1,813 | $45.34 |
| Portland, OR | $93,261 | $7,771 | $1,793 | $44.84 |
| Glendale, CA | $93,184 | $7,765 | $1,792 | $44.80 |
What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Sociology Degree Jobs in the U.S.
We found a few related jobs that pay more than jobs in the Sociology Degree category.
For example Vice President Sociology jobs pay as much as $75,614 (93.7%) more than the average Sociology Degree salary of $80,711.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vice President Sociology | $156,325 | $13,027 | $3,006 | $75.16 |
| Online Sociology Adjunct | $93,218 | $7,768 | $1,792 | $44.82 |
| Tenure Track Sociology | $86,723 | $7,226 | $1,667 | $41.69 |
| Criminology Professor | $84,177 | $7,014 | $1,618 | $40.47 |
| Government Sociology | $80,711 | $6,725 | $1,552 | $38.80 |
A sociology degree equips graduates with a deep understanding of human behavior, social structures, and the dynamics of societies. While it may not lead to high-paying careers as readily as some other fields, there are certainly lucrative opportunities available to those who hold sociology degrees. In this article, we’ll explore some of the highest paying jobs for sociology graduates, shedding light on how their unique skills can translate into well-compensated careers.
Understanding the Value of a Sociology Degree
Sociology is a field that delves into the intricacies of human interactions and societal structures. Graduates of sociology programs possess critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that are highly valuable in various professional settings. Here are some high-paying career paths for sociology majors:
1. Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study consumer behavior and market trends to help businesses make informed decisions. Sociology graduates’ ability to understand and interpret human behavior is a significant asset in this field. The median annual salary for market research analysts is around $63,790, and experienced professionals can earn even more.
2. Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee an organization’s workforce, ensuring smooth operations, employee satisfaction, and compliance with labor laws. With a median annual salary of approximately $121,220, this is one of the highest paying careers for sociology graduates.
3. Management Consultant
Management consultants provide valuable insights and solutions to help organizations improve their efficiency and profitability. Sociology graduates can excel in this field due to their expertise in analyzing organizational structures and human behavior. The median annual salary for management consultants is about $87,660, but it can substantially increase with experience and expertise.
4. Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers work in various nonprofit organizations, managing programs and services that help individuals and communities. Their role involves assessing the needs of the community and developing initiatives to address them. The median annual salary for social and community service managers is around $69,600, but salaries can be higher in larger organizations or with more experience.
What jobs can I do with a sociology degree?
A sociology degree provides a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, social issues, and the complexities of society. This versatile degree opens doors to a wide range of careers. In this section, we’ll explore various job opportunities available to sociology graduates.
1. Social Worker
Social workers assist individuals and communities in dealing with various issues, including family problems, addiction, and mental health concerns. They play a crucial role in advocating for their clients and connecting them with necessary resources. Social workers can work in schools, healthcare settings, or government agencies. While entry-level salaries are moderate, social workers can advance to higher-paying positions, especially with a master’s degree in social work (MSW).
2. Counselor or Therapist
Sociology graduates often pursue careers as counselors or therapists. They provide emotional support and guidance to individuals and groups facing mental health challenges. Specializations can include marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, or mental health counseling. Earning a master’s degree in counseling or related fields can lead to higher-paying positions.
3. Research Analyst
Sociology graduates possess strong research and analytical skills, making them well-suited for research analyst roles. They can work in various industries, including healthcare, marketing, and social policy. Research analysts collect and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions.
4. Probation Officer
Probation officers work with individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are serving probation as an alternative to incarceration. They monitor their progress, provide support, and ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions. Sociology graduates’ understanding of social dynamics and human behavior can be valuable in this role.
5. Nonprofit and Advocacy Work
Many sociology graduates find fulfilling careers in nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups. They work on various causes, such as environmental conservation, human rights, and social justice. While salaries in this field may not always be the highest, the sense of purpose and impact can be rewarding.
Can a sociologist work in a hospital?
Sociologists can indeed find employment opportunities in hospitals and healthcare settings, even though it may not be the most traditional career path for individuals with sociology degrees. The skills and knowledge acquired during their academic and professional journey can be highly relevant in healthcare contexts. Here are some roles that sociologists can pursue within the healthcare sector:
1. Medical Sociologist
Medical sociologists focus on studying the sociocultural factors that influence health and healthcare delivery. They analyze how social structures, behaviors, and disparities affect health outcomes. Their research contributes to the development of strategies to address public health concerns, such as reducing health inequalities and improving patient care.
2. Healthcare Administrator
Sociologists with expertise in organizational dynamics and human behavior can work as healthcare administrators. They may manage the daily operations of healthcare facilities, develop policies and procedures, and ensure that healthcare services are provided efficiently and effectively.
3. Patient Advocate
Patient advocates help individuals navigate the complex healthcare system, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and support. They may work directly with patients or serve as liaisons between patients and healthcare providers, addressing their concerns and ensuring they have a voice in their healthcare decisions.
4. Healthcare Researcher
Sociologists can work in research roles within hospitals, exploring topics like patient satisfaction, healthcare access, and the impact of social factors on health outcomes. Their research can inform healthcare policies and practices, leading to improvements in patient care and overall healthcare delivery.
While sociologists may not be the most common professionals in healthcare settings, their unique skill set can be a valuable addition, contributing to a better understanding of the sociocultural aspects of health and healthcare. These roles may not always be the highest paying positions in the field, but they offer opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare system and the well-being of patients.
Can a sociologist work in a bank?
Sociologists can indeed find employment opportunities in the banking and financial sector, leveraging their knowledge of human behavior, social dynamics, and research skills. While banking may not be the most conventional career path for sociology graduates, their expertise can be valuable in various roles within financial institutions. Here are some positions where sociologists can make a significant contribution:
1. Consumer Behavior Analyst
Sociologists are well-equipped to analyze consumer behavior and market trends. In the banking sector, they can work as consumer behavior analysts, studying how individuals make financial decisions, manage their accounts, and interact with financial products. This insight can help banks tailor their services and marketing strategies to better serve their customers.
2. Market Researcher
Market researchers in banks are responsible for gathering data on customer preferences, economic trends, and competition in the financial industry. Sociology graduates’ research and data analysis skills can be invaluable in this role, aiding banks in making informed decisions about their products and services.
3. Human Resources
Banks often have sizable human resources departments. Sociologists can work in HR roles, such as recruitment, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and employee engagement programs. Their understanding of social dynamics and workplace behavior can help create a more inclusive and productive work environment within the bank.
4. Risk Analyst
Sociologists can also excel as risk analysts in banks, where they assess the sociocultural factors that may impact the creditworthiness of customers. Understanding the social and economic contexts of borrowers can aid banks in managing risks effectively.
