Sociologists Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $106,030 · Median hourly: $50.98 · Employment: 2,260
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| 25th | $82,300 | $39.57 |
| Median | $106,030 | $50.98 |
| 75th | $137,420 | $66.07 |
| 90th | $172,550 | $82.96 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-3041
- Total U.S. employment: 2,260
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
Reading the data
With approximately 2,260 sociologists employed, this is a modest occupation in the labor market.
The mean wage of $114,920 sits 8.4% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Sociologists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $108,170 | $52.01 | +2.0% | 40 |
| California | $125,770 | $60.47 | +18.6% | 590 |
| Florida | $46,950 | $22.57 | -55.7% | 160 |
| Illinois | $140,770 | $67.68 | +32.8% | 0 |
| Kentucky | $136,870 | $65.80 | +29.1% | 30 |
| Maryland | $100,660 | $48.39 | -5.1% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $106,530 | $51.22 | +0.5% | 250 |
| Michigan | $88,040 | $42.33 | -17.0% | 90 |
| North Carolina | $126,760 | $60.94 | +19.6% | 170 |
| Ohio | $78,850 | $37.91 | -25.6% | 130 |
| Washington | $97,170 | $46.72 | -8.4% | 130 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
- Retail Salespersons — $35,410/yr
- Fast Food and Counter Workers — $31,200/yr
- General and Operations Managers — $105,770/yr
- Registered Nurses — $97,550/yr
- Cashiers — $32,880/yr
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $40,240/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for sociologists?
The median annual wage for sociologists is $106,030 ($50.98 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays sociologists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many sociologists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 2,260 sociologists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do sociologists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $50.98. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.