Sociologists Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Sociologists in the United States is $106,030 per year — about $51 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $82,300 and $137,420 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Sociologists
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $126,760 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $131,170 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $131,170 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $134,770 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $124,540 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $106,530 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $103,840 |
| Columbus, OH | $82,820 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $97,170 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $64,180 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Sociologists make in the US?
The median salary is $106,030 per year (about $51 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $82,300 and $137,420 a year.
How much do Sociologists make per hour?
About $51 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $106,030 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Sociologists?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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