Sociologists

Summary

Sociologists often perform independent research on human society and social behavior.

Quick Facts: Sociologists
2010 Median Pay	$72,360 per year $34.79 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Master’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	4,000
Job Outlook, 2010-20	18% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	700

What Sociologists Do

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that people develop.

Work Environment

Most sociologists work in research organizations, colleges and universities, state and local government, and consulting service firms. They typically work full time during regular business hours.

How to Become a Sociologist

Most sociology positions require a master’s degree or Ph.D.

Pay

The median annual wage of sociologists was $72,360 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of sociologists is expected to grow 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, jobseekers should face competition for most positions because of the relatively small size of the occupation.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of sociologists with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about sociologists by contacting these additional resources.

What Sociologists Do About this section

Some sociologists conduct interviews for their research.

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that people develop.

Duties

Sociologists typically do the following:

• Design research projects to test theories about social issues
• Collect data through surveys, observations, interviews, and other sources
• Analyze and draw conclusions from data
• Prepare reports, articles, or presentations detailing their research findings
• Collaborate with other sociologists or social scientists
• Consult with and advise clients, policymakers, or other groups on research findings and sociological issues

Sociologists study human social lives, activities, interactions, processes, and organizations within the context of larger social, political, and economic forces. They examine how social influences affect different individuals and groups, and the ways organizations and institutions affect people's lives.

They study the behavior of, and interaction among, groups, organizations, institutions, and nations. They look at activities in social, religious, political, economic, and business organizations. They also trace the origin and growth of these groups and interactions.

Educators, lawmakers, administrators, and social workers use sociological research to solve social problems and formulate public policy. Sociologists specialize in a wide range of social topics, including the following:

• Health
• Crime
• Education
• Racial and ethnic relations
• Families
• Population
• Gender
• Poverty
• Aging

Many people with a sociology background become professors and teachers. Others often find work in related jobs outside the sociologist profession as survey researchers, statisticians, policy analysts, and demographers. For more information, see the profiles on postsecondary teachers, survey researchers, and statisticians.

Work Environment About this section

Sociologists often collaborate with colleagues on research projects or papers.

Sociologists held about 4,000 jobs in 2010, most of which were in research organizations and colleges and universities.

The following industries employed the largest numbers of sociologists in 2010:

Sociologists typically work behind a desk, researching and writing reports. They may occasionally work outside the office to meet with colleagues, conduct field research though interviews or observations, or present research results.

Work Schedules

Most sociologists work full time during regular business hours.

How to Become a Sociologist About this section

Sociologists analyze and interpret data on sociological issues in order to test theories.

Most sociology jobs require a master’s degree or Ph.D.

Education

Sociologists typically need a master’s degree or Ph.D. There are two types of sociology master’s degree programs: traditional programs and applied, clinical, and professional programs. Traditional programs prepare students to enter a Ph.D. program. Applied, clinical, and professional programs prepare students to enter the professional workplace, teaching them the necessary analytical skills to perform sociological research in a professional setting.

Most students who complete a Ph.D. in sociology become professors or teachers. For more information, see the profile on postsecondary teachers. However, an increasing number of Ph.D. graduates are becoming research sociologists for nonprofits, businesses, and governments.

Courses in research methods and statistics are important for both master’s and Ph.D. candidates. Many programs also offer opportunities to get experience through internships or by preparing reports for clients.

Although some graduates with a bachelor’s degree find work as sociology research assistants, most find positions in other fields, such as social services, administration, management, or sales and marketing.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Sociologists must be able to carefully analyze data and other information, often utilizing statistical processes to test their theories.  

Communication skills. Sociologists need strong communication skills when they conduct interviews, collaborate with colleagues, and present research results.

Critical-thinking skills. Sociologists must be able to think critically when doing research. They must design research projects and collect, process, and analyze information in order to draw logical conclusions about society and the groups it comprises.

Problem-solving skills. Sociologists’ research is typically focused on identifying, studying, and solving sociological problems.

Writing skills. Sociologists frequently write reports detailing their findings.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of sociologists was $72,360 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,000, and the top 10 percent earned more than $129,870. 

Most sociologists work full time during regular business hours.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of sociologists is expected to grow 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Employment gains will be driven by a growing interest in using sociological research to further understand society and human social interactions. Specifically, social, political, and business organizations will need sociologists to research, evaluate, and address many different social issues, programs, and problems.

In addition, sociologists will be needed to apply sociological principles and research to other disciplines. For example, sociologists may collaborate with researchers in other fields to study how social structures or groups influence policy decisions about health, education, politics, business, or economics.

Job Prospects

Jobseekers can expect to face competition for most sociologist research positions. Sociology is a popular field of study, with a relatively small number of research positions.

Instead, many bachelor’s and master’s degree holders will find positions in related fields, such as social services, education, public policy, or other areas. Although these fields require the skills and concepts that sociologists learn as part of their education, workers should face less competition for positions not specifically labeled as “sociologists.”

Candidates with an advanced degree, strong statistical and research skills, and a background in applied sociology will have the best job prospects.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about careers in sociology, visit

American Sociological Association