Sociologists

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together. They also may study specific groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

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 others, including social scientists and policymakers, regarding research findings and sociological issues
• Develop and propose strategies or policies to solve social problems

Sociologists study human behavior, interaction, and organization. They examine the effect of social influences, including organizations and institutions, on individuals and groups. They also trace the origin and growth of these groups and interactions. For example, they may research the impact of a new law or policy on a specific demographic.

Sociologists also collect data when conducting research. They use statistical analysis software to help integrate data from interviews, observations, and other sources of information.

Sociological research may help educators, lawmakers, social workers, and others to solve social problems and formulate public policy. Sociologists also may specialize in social topics, such as crime, education, health, or poverty. Their job title may reflect their area of focus; for example, sociologists who specialize in crime may be called criminologists.

Many people with a sociology background choose to work in related occupations, such as policy analysts, demographers, survey researchers, or statisticians.

Sociologists held about 3,400 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of sociologists were as follows:

Sociologists typically work in an office setting. They may work elsewhere when conducting research through interviews or observations or presenting research results.

Work Schedules

Most sociologists work full time.

Sociologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation.

The median annual wage for sociologists was $101,690 in May 2024.

Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as 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.