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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Sociologists

Median Salary
101,770
Job Outlook
+17%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 300 openings for sociologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$37,940

10%

$101,770

Median

$135,820

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    50%

  • Master's degree

    30%

  • Bachelor's degree

    10%

  • Post-doctoral training

    10%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Sociology, General
  • Criminology
  • Urban Studies/Affairs
  • Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods
  • Medical/Health Humanities
  • Applied/Public Sociology
  • Demography and Population Studies
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Rural Sociology
  • Applied Demography

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Philosophy and Theology
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.