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.
Common Job Titles
- Demographer
- Medical Sociologist
- Social Scientist
- Sociologist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeAnalyze social phenomena and group behavior patterns using quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in academic or applied settings.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign sociological research studies to investigate the origin, growth, and influence of social institutions and organizations.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate the influence of social, religious, political, and business organizations on individual members by synthesizing theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence.Advanced
- KnowledgeDevelop theoretical models explaining the formation and dynamics of social groups integrating knowledge from sociology, anthropology, psychology, and history.Advanced
- KnowledgeCompose scholarly articles, research reports, and policy briefs communicating sociological findings to academic and public audiences.Advanced
- KnowledgeInterpret complex statistical analyses and sociological data for diverse audiences including policymakers, academic peers, and community stakeholders.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply advanced statistical software and data visualization tools to process and analyze large datasets on social behavior and institutional patterns.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess the validity and reliability of sociological research methodologies when evaluating compliance with ethical standards and scientific rigor.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate cultural sensitivity with empirical research practices when studying diverse populations and social communities.Proficient
- MindsetEngage interdisciplinary teams and community partners to establish collaborative relationships that support social research objectives.Proficient
- KnowledgeInstruct students and colleagues in sociological theory and research methods in academic settings using evidence-based teaching strategies.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Sociologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
2,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $60,710. 25th percentile: U.S. $78,150. 50th percentile: U.S. $101,690. 75th percentile: U.S. $134,780. 90th percentile: U.S. $168,590. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $60,710 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $168,590 |
| Workers on average earn | $111,670 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Sociology and Anthropology5.0/5
- English Language4.6/5
- Education and Training4.2/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- History and Archeology3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Photoshop
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- R
- SAP software
- SAS
- Salesforce software
Technology Skills
- ATLAS.ti
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Circle Systems Stat/Transfer
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Data visualization software
- Database management system DBMS
- Email software
- Fund accounting software
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Desktop computers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital video recorders
- Personal computers
- Tablet computers
- Videoconferencing equipment