Sociologists Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for sociologists in the U.S. is $106,030 ($50.98 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $106,030
- Mean annual wage
- $114,920
- Median hourly wage
- $50.98
- Employment
- 2,260
2,260 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| 25th percentile | $82,300 | $39.57 |
| Median (50th) | $106,030 | $50.98 |
| 75th percentile | $137,420 | $66.07 |
| 90th percentile | $172,550 | $82.96 |
Highest-paying states for sociologists
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $140,770 | — |
| Kentucky | $136,870 | 30 |
| North Carolina | $126,760 | 170 |
| California | $125,770 | 590 |
| Alaska | $108,170 | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $106,530 | 250 |
| Maryland | $100,660 | 50 |
| Washington | $97,170 | 130 |
| Michigan | $88,040 | 90 |
| Ohio | $78,850 | 130 |
Lowest-paying states
- Florida: $46,950 median annual wage
- Ohio: $78,850 median annual wage
- Michigan: $88,040 median annual wage
- Washington: $97,170 median annual wage
- Maryland: $100,660 median annual wage
About this occupation
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.
Typical tasks
- Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
- Explain sociological research to the general public.
- Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
- Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
- Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
- Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Master's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 0.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.9% |
| Some college, no degree | 4.8% |
| Associate's degree | 2.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 31.1% |
| Master's degree | 39.2% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 19.4% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$90,150
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$82,220
- Chemists$91,240
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$100,580
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62,280
- Biological Technicians$57,510
- School Psychologists$95,990
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.