Sociologists in California
Thinking about a career as a Sociologists in California? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Sociologists Make in California?
For a sociologists working in California, the median annual wage is $120,610 per year (or roughly $57.99/hour).Earnings range from $80,930 at the 10th percentile to $157,010 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,930 | $38.91 |
| 25th percentile | $96,260 | $46.28 |
| Median (50th) | $120,610 | $57.99 |
| 75th percentile | $132,200 | $63.56 |
| 90th percentile | $157,010 | $75.49 |
The job concentration index in California nationwide is 1.92, meaning that sociologists are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, sociologists earn a median of $74,866 per year ($35.99/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 139,598 sociologists nationwide. In California alone, approximately 660 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 110 sociologists.
Top California Metros for Sociologists
These are the California metros with the most sociologists in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 150 | $132,200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 140 | $114,230 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 60 | $108,990 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 60 | $128,600 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 50 | $111,750 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 30 | $128,600 |
Top States for Sociologists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most sociologists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 660 |
| Massachusetts | 600 |
| North Carolina | 240 |
| Florida | 180 |
| Ohio | 110 |
| Wisconsin | 100 |
| Washington | 90 |
| Maryland | 90 |
| New York | 50 |
| Minnesota | 30 |
Highest-Paying States for Sociologists
Where sociologists earn the most: sociologists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $211,560 |
| Illinois | $134,730 |
| New York | $130,180 |
| California | $120,610 |
| North Carolina | $108,060 |
| Massachusetts | $103,510 |
| Maryland | $95,300 |
| Washington | $88,330 |
| Michigan | $82,910 |
| Wisconsin | $82,570 |
Skills
The most important sociologists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for sociologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
- Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
- Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- Teach sociology.
- Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
- Present research findings at professional meetings.
- Explain sociological research to the general public.
- Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
- Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
- Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
- Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Processing Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Working with Computers
- Thinking Creatively
- Training and Teaching Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, ESRI ArcGIS software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Sociology
- Criminology
- General Social Sciences
- Urban Studies
- Sociology & Anthropology
- Demography & Population Studies
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like sociologists include:
- Data Scientists
- Epidemiologists
- Economists
- Survey Researchers
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
- School Psychologists
Also Known As
Clinical Evaluator, Clinical Sociologist, Criminologist, Demographer, Evaluation Specialist, Family Sociologist, Medical Sociologist, Penologist, Policy Advisor, Policy Analyst, Policy Officer, Program Evaluator, Research Associate, Research Coordinator, Research Scientist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-3041.00