What Sociologists Do

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together.

Work Environment

Most sociologists work in research organizations, colleges and universities, and state and local government. They typically work full time during regular business hours.

How to Become a Sociologist

Most sociology jobs require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Many bachelor’s degreeholders will find positions in related fields, such as social services, education, healthcare, or public policy.

Job Outlook

Employment of sociologists is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. Sociologists can expect to face very strong competition because sociology is a popular field of study with a relatively small number of positions.

Growth & Trends

This occupation supported 2,600 jobs in 2012 and 2,600 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 0.0%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 15.4% in 2022 to 3,000 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 2,600, compared with an observed value of 2,600, 0.0% lower than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to decrease by 3.8% in 2024 to 2,500 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 3,000 jobs for 2024, 20.0% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation.

Sociologists Employment and Labor Information 2023

Sociologists Employment Brief:

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.

Sociologists Job Description

Here is a Job Description an employer might post for potential Sociologists.

Sociologists Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
• Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
• Present research findings at professional meetings.
• Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
• Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
• Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
• Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
• Teach sociology.
• Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
• Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.

Typical Daily Tasks of Sociologists:

• Analyzing Data or Information: Interpret research or operational data.
• Getting Information: Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys. Conduct research on social issues.
• Working with Computers.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge.
• Training and Teaching Others: Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events.
• Processing Information.
• Thinking Creatively: Design psychological or educational treatment procedures or programs. Develop methods of social or economic research. Plan social sciences research.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems.

Sociologists Skills and Requirements:

• Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Troubleshooting Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Installation Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
• Operations Analysis Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
• Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Quality Control Analysis Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Programming Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Repairing Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Sociologists Education and Training:

Typical education for include: Master's degree.

Sociologists Salary, Wages, and Salary and Job Outlook

Sociologists average pay is: $47.4 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employees who work in Scientific Research and Development Services are the highest paid making $49.59, while Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools make the least at $36.15 per hour.Here are the top city/metro areas with the highest paying salaries for a Sociologists: