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Sociologists in California

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
Salary ranges for Sociologists in California

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.

Sociologists earnings in California vs. the national average

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.

Sociologists in California vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for 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:

Speaking  4.1 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  4.1 / 5
0
5
Reading Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Writing  4.0 / 5
0
5
Active Learning  4.0 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  4.0 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Sociology and Anthropology  5.0 / 5
0
5
English Language  4.6 / 5
0
5
Education and Training  4.2 / 5
0
5
Mathematics  3.5 / 5
0
5
History and Archeology  3.4 / 5
0
5
Computers and Electronics  3.4 / 5
0
5

Abilities

Key abilities for sociologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Oral Expression  4.2 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  4.2 / 5
0
5
Written Expression  4.1 / 5
0
5
Written Comprehension  4.1 / 5
0
5
Inductive Reasoning  4.1 / 5
0
5
Deductive Reasoning  4.0 / 5
0
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

Other careers like sociologists include:

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

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