Sociologist

Your Fit

Income

$102K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sociologist?

A Sociologist is a social scientist who studies human societies, interactions, and institutions. They examine social life, changes, causes, and consequences of human behavior to understand how societies function and evolve.

Sample job titles:

Demographer, Medical Sociologist, Social Scientist, Sociologist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sociologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Sociologist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$61K per year	$78K per year	$102K per year	$135K per year	$169K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Sociologist do?

Work environment

Sociologists primarily work in research institutions, academia, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Their environment often involves office settings for data analysis and writing, as well as fieldwork for conducting interviews and surveys. They may also collaborate with other social scientists, policymakers, or public health officials.

Quick task list

Conducts research through surveys, interviews, and observation.
Analyzes data using statistical techniques and software.
Writes reports and articles to present research findings.
Advises policymakers, businesses, or organizations on social issues.
Teaches sociology at the postsecondary level.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Medical Sociology: Examines the social dimensions of health, illness, and healthcare.
Urban Sociology: Focuses on social life and human interactions in urban areas.
Criminology and Deviance: Studies crime, criminal behavior, and social responses to crime.
Environmental Sociology: Investigates the interaction between societies and their natural environments.
Educational Sociology: Explores the impact of social factors on educational systems and practices.

Description

Sociologists play a crucial role in shedding light on the complexities of social life. They explore diverse aspects of society, including family structures, racial and gender identity, poverty, crime, education, and health. Their research helps in understanding social issues and contributing to the development of public policy.

This profession requires strong analytical skills to interpret data and identify patterns and trends in social behavior. Sociologists must also be adept at communicating their findings, both in writing and orally, to a wide range of audiences, including academics, policymakers, and the general public.

A career in sociology is intellectually stimulating and offers the opportunity to explore and address some of the most challenging and pressing issues facing societies. Sociologists often find fulfillment in the potential impact of their work on improving social conditions and informing public policy.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to a deeper understanding of societal issues and dynamics.
The intellectual challenge of analyzing complex social phenomena.
The potential to influence public policy and make a positive impact on society.

You might make a good Sociologist if you are...

Intrigued by human behavior and social structures.
Skilled in critical thinking and analytical reasoning.
Strong in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
An effective communicator, able to articulate complex ideas clearly.
Passionate about addressing social issues and advocating for change.

Pros:

Engaging and varied work with opportunities for profound societal impact.
Intellectual challenge and continuous learning.
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and research.

Cons:

Highly competitive academic job market.
Potential for stress due to the sensitive nature of some research topics.
Pressure to secure funding for research projects.

How to become a Sociologist

Typical education

A master's degree or Ph.D. in sociology or a related field is typically required for most sociologist positions, which means about 6-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate studies.

High school preparation

Courses:

Social Studies to understand societal structures and issues.
Psychology to gain insights into human behavior.
Mathematics, especially Statistics, for data analysis.
English and Communication for writing and presentation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in debate clubs or model United Nations.
Volunteering in community service or social justice initiatives.
Engaging in projects or clubs that focus on cultural studies or social issues.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in sociology or a related social science field.
Consider internships or volunteer work in social research settings.
Aim for a master's degree or Ph.D. for advanced research opportunities and academic positions.

More resources

American Sociological Association (ASA) - Provides resources and networking opportunities for sociologists.
International Sociological Association (ISA) - Offers a global perspective on sociology.
The Sociological Review - Features contemporary sociological research and debates.
Social Science Research Council (SSRC) - Supports research and development in the social sciences.
Sociology Lens - Offers news and insights on current sociological issues and research.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.