All About Sociologists

Job Description: 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.

Life As a Sociologist

• Present research findings at professional meetings.
• Teach sociology.
• Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
• Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
• Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
• Develop approaches to the solution of groups’ problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.

Qualities of a Sociologist

Sociologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Research Specialist
• Rural Sociologist
• Evaluation Manager
• Family Sociologist
• Criminologist

Job Demand for Sociologists

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 3,500 jobs in the United States for Sociologist. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Sociologist. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 300 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Sociologist are Florida, Wisconsin, and New York. Watch out if you plan on working in Oregon, Illinois, or Pennsylvania. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Sociologist Salary

The typical yearly salary for Sociologists is somewhere between $46,170 and $140,430.

Sociologists who work in Pennsylvania, California, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

How much do Sociologists make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
California	$98,560
Florida	$78,490
Illinois	$86,280
Maryland	$74,540
Massachusetts	$111,020
Michigan	$88,180
New Jersey	$106,470
New York	$75,800
North Carolina	$95,260
Ohio	$67,230
Pennsylvania	$121,470
South Dakota	$43,080
Utah	$72,570
Washington	$74,130
Wisconsin	$80,270

What Tools & Technology do Sociologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sociologists:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Web browser software
• Microsoft Access
• Data entry software
• Email software
• Data visualization software
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Project
• Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Visio
• Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
• SAS
• Facebook
• Microsoft Publisher
• IBM SPSS Statistics
• R

How do I Become a Sociologist?

Are there Sociologists education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Sociologist?

Where do Sociologists Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Kontos via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.