Sociology Careers

The field of sociology is devoted to studying the development and structure of human society and social behavior. Sociology students explore patterns of social interaction, the importance of culture, and how society impacts human behavior.

This guide includes information about the projected salary outlook for potential careers in sociology and helpful resources for students and professionals looking to advance in the field.

Why Pursue a Degree in Sociology?

Careers for a sociology major usually attract people interested in how society impacts and changes human behavior. Sociology professionals typically work indoors, conducting research and analyzing data. Some sociologists go out into the field to conduct surveys or interviews to support their research.

Many sociologists use their skills in careers like marketing or politics. Sociology graduates understand human behavior and how people respond to certain messages or policies. Sociology students should enjoy analytical and critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and research projects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sociologist Career Paths

Is sociology a good degree?

Earning a sociology degree can lead to many different careers. These programs teach skills like critical and analytical thinking and oral and written communication. Graduates can find jobs as sociologists and teachers. They can also pursue work in marketing or other business fields.

What does a sociologist do?

Sociologists study the social behavior of individuals, groups, and communities through research and observation. These professionals may conduct surveys and interviews to better understand how people respond to societal pressures. Sociologists analyze the data they collect and produce reports and articles about their findings.

What are the fields in sociology?

Sociology majors may be able to choose from several different concentrations while earning their degree, including aging and the lifecycle; race studies; health, education, and welfare; and children, youth, and families. These concentrations allow students to focus their studies on topics of interest and prepare for their future careers.

What is the highest-paying job with a sociology degree?

According to the BLS, political scientist is one of the highest-paying positions that graduates can pursue with a sociology degree; these workers earn a median annual salary of $122,220. Additionally, economists and sociologists earn median annual salaries of $105,020 and $83,420, respectively.

Readers should note that all three of these careers require at least a master's degree.

Sociologist Career Outlook

The outlook for careers with a sociology degree differs depending on a worker's specific job title and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 4% job growth for sociologists between 2019 and 2029.

The BLS also projects 6% job growth for political scientists and 9% job growth for professors during that same time period. Sociology graduates can become HR and PR specialists, political scientists, and professors, although some of these roles may require additional education.

The following table explores the salary outlook for potential sociology careers. These numbers show how a worker's income tends to increase as they gain experience.

Skills Gained With a Sociology Degree

Sociology programs prepare students to succeed in their future careers. For example, by writing essays, students hone communication, research, and analysis skills. The five skills below represent common competencies developed during sociology programs.

• Critical Thinking: Sociology requires students to use and improve their critical thinking skills. Students practice these skills by participating in class discussions and making arguments when writing research papers and answering test questions.
• Analysis: Sociology courses require students to interpret and analyze information. In class, students evaluate arguments and propose alternatives. Most sociology careers require an analytical mindset for tasks like analyzing a policy proposal or finding a logical flaw in a politician's argument.
• Communication: Sociology majors hone communication skills through class discussions and internships. These skills prove vital to sociology careers, as nearly all employers seek workers with strong communication skills to complete daily responsibilities.
• Research: Sociology students develop research skills by completing research projects and papers. Some programs — especially at the graduate level — offer courses that focus exclusively on teaching students how to become more effective researchers. Professionals use research skills to find solutions and build arguments.
• Writing: Most employers desire applicants with strong writing skills. Students develop writing skills by completing essays and projects. Employers typically pay close attention to applicants' writing skills when reviewing cover letters and resumes.

Sociology Career Paths

Careers in sociology offer many paths for professionals in industries such as business, education, and health. Graduates with a degree in sociology can pursue careers like market research analyst and mental health counselor. Individuals can also teach high school classes or earn a doctorate to teach college courses.

A few potential careers that graduates can pursue with a sociology degree are listed below.

Sociologist

Sociologists study how humans behave and interact with one another. Many sociologists work indoors, though they may go into the field to conduct research. Sociologists specialize in areas like poverty, education, health, and gender and race issues. Most sociologist positions require at least a master's degree.

Survey Researcher

Survey researchers work closely with data. They design, implement, and analyze surveys for organizations to better understand people's beliefs and desires. These professionals must understand how to ask questions and how to turn answers into actionable data. Most professionals in this field need a master's degree.

Postsecondary Teacher

Postsecondary teachers work at colleges and universities. These professionals design curricula, teach classes, and advise students. They also conduct their own research and publish scholarly works on their findings. Professors typically need a doctoral degree.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts try to predict how well a product will sell and who will buy it. This job requires excellent critical and analytical thinking skills. Market research analysts design and implement surveys to understand what products will succeed in the market and distill that information to share with other business professionals.

Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists typically work in an office environment. These professionals uphold company policy and work closely with other employees to help solve personnel problems. Human resources specialists train new employees, deal with compensation or benefits issues, and keep employment records. These specialists need a bachelor's degree.

How to Start Your Career in Sociology

Most careers for a sociology major require a college degree, and students can find employment opportunities at all degree levels. Future sociology professionals can determine what level of education they need for their target job by speaking with a career counselor.

The following sections describe a few potential careers for individuals with various levels of postsecondary education.

Associate Degree in Sociology

Full-time students usually earn an associate degree in about two years. Associate programs provide foundational sociology knowledge through classes like American society and the sociology of survival. Students gain valuable skills related to oral and written communication, research, and multicultural understanding.

This degree prepares students to further their education in sociology by transferring to a bachelor's program. Associate degrees also prepare students for entry-level careers in sociology. Graduates can find careers in industries like marketing and human resources.

What Can You Do With an Associate in Sociology

Sources: BLS and PayScale

Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

Earning a bachelor's degree in sociology qualifies graduates for more entry-level careers than an associate degree. Additionally, these careers often provide higher starting salaries and more responsibility.

The table below describes five popular career options for bachelor's degree-holders. To find a school that can prepare you for these careers, research the top sociology programs. Additionally, many of the best programs offer entirely online curricula, providing ample flexibility.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Sociology?

Source: BLS

Master's Degree in Sociology

Master's in sociology programs allow students to specialize in a sociology subfield. Master's students typically conduct original research and write a master's thesis on their specialization.

Many managerial sociology careers require a master's degree in addition to professional experience. These professions offer higher starting salaries than careers open to sociology graduates with associate or bachelor's degrees. To prepare for one of the careers below, research the top online master's in sociology programs.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Sociology?

Source: BLS

Doctoral Degree in Sociology

Doctoral students collaborate with professors on research projects, teach undergraduate courses, and often travel as part of their education. Doctoral programs generally take 4-6 years to complete. Students dedicate much of their time to researching and writing their dissertation. They must present and defend their dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Earning this terminal degree indicates to prospective employers that you are an expert in the field. A doctorate can qualify you for a role as a tenured professor or postsecondary administrator.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Sociology?

Source: BLS

How to Advance Your Career in Sociology

Professionals in sociology can advance their careers in many ways, including returning to school, earning licensure or certification, and taking continuing education courses. Each option allows professionals to gain new skills and learn about advances in their fields.

The following sections explore these opportunities in more depth.

Continuing Education

Sociology professionals can advance their careers through education in several ways. For example, they can earn another degree, finish a certificate program, or complete online courses. Readers should always research the best advancement method for their particular career before enrolling in any program or course of study.

Some careers for a sociology major require a higher degree level to advance. Sociologists need at least a master's degree for entry-level work. Additionally, to advance their careers, many sociologists earn a doctorate. Although earning a doctorate takes time, graduates are at the top of their field.

Many colleges offer online and in-person certificate programs. Some sociology professionals, like market research analysts, can demonstrate expertise by earning a certificate; this credential helps them stay current on new technologies and practices in the field.

Some professionals choose to learn new skills or knowledge in their field by taking online courses. Many universities offer online courses at little to no cost. Readers can learn more information about free online sociology courses in a later section.

Next Steps

Sociology professionals should look for ways to keep their skills sharp and learn about advancements in their field. In addition to online classes and certificate programs, individuals can join a professional organization to stay abreast of new theories and developments in the field.

For example, sociology professionals and students can join organizations like the American Sociological Association and the International Sociological Association. These organizations often offer professional development opportunities like certifications and online workshops.

Professional organizations also allow members to network with their peers, which can lead to job advancement opportunities and collective problem-solving. Networking at conferences or workshops helps members stay connected to their community.

How to Switch Your Career to Sociology

Professionals in related social science areas, like anthropology, may be able to transition into a career in sociology easily. However, workers in completely unrelated fields may need to earn a degree in sociology to change careers.

Some careers, such as postsecondary educators, almost always require candidates to return to school and earn an advanced degree. All tenured sociology professors need a doctorate in the field; colleges rarely consider professionals who do not meet this requirement.

Career changers should always research specific career requirements and speak to a career counselor to determine their best course of action.

Industries Where You Can Work With A Sociology Degree?

Along with your degree and specialization, the industry you select influences your job title, responsibilities, and salary potential. Common industries for sociology graduates include research, government, academia, family services, and consulting.

The following section covers typical industries and job duties for sociology graduates.

Scientific Research and Development Services

The scientific research and development services industry creates new technologies and makes scientific discoveries. Sociology professionals in this industry often work as survey researchers.

State Government

State governments hire sociologists to help form public policy. Sociologists conduct surveys and interviews, present their results to elected officials, and make recommendations.

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Postsecondary institutions educate students and perform research. At colleges and universities, sociology professors can teach classes, conduct research, and lead departments. These roles typically require a doctoral degree.

Individual and Family Services

Some sociology graduates pursue careers as counselors or therapists. In these roles, sociologists work with individuals and families to identify problems and propose solutions.

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

Companies retain consultants to solve problems and complete specialized projects. A sociology graduate may work as a market research consultant, advising businesses on how to market their products or services.

Source: BLS

Interview With a Professional

Laura Varnell, School Business Consultant

Laura Varnell has over 20 years of experience in the early childhood education arena and currently serves as a school business consultant for Primrose Schools Franchising Company. Laura is a master-level registered trainer in Texas and teaches an executive director credential course — a class that teaches new directors how to operate early learning programs. Laura holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in adult education and training from the University of North Texas.

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Why did you decide to pursue a degree and career in sociology?

I took a sociology class in high school and absolutely loved it. I was involved in the speech and debate team in high school, so I started college as a communication major. I loved the communication classes, but at the beginning of my junior year I decided to make communication my minor and pursue sociology as my major.

I don't think I realized until I had been in college for a couple of years how much I was using concepts in sociology every day, and I became fascinated by those concepts. Any social issue you can think of falls under the umbrella of sociology.

What makes a sociology degree unique?

I think because the degree is so broad, it opens up many different opportunities for students pursuing it. Students have the opportunity to dive into multiple topics, like race, culture, religion, poverty, health, and stratification, and can then pinpoint what interests them the most and really focus on that.

I was able to take so many interesting classes, and I still use information that I learned from them in my life every day.

One of my favorite classes was sociology of disasters. I took that class years ago, but all of the principles have stayed the same. Students that enjoy classes like that could continue focusing on disasters and work for FEMA or the Red Cross.

I was able to take courses like sociology of religion, health, aging, and statistics. I still remember key concepts from those classes that I use every day.

I feel like sociology has given me a special lens that not everyone has. It helps me to see how certain systems are set up, and those systems have a huge impact on our behavior and how we work together in society.

The one class that has stuck with me the most was the sociology of family. Since I have worked in the early childhood and education industry for over 20 years, that class has helped me on a daily basis. By understanding different family types, dynamics, and trauma, I'm a better leader and more open to diversity in the families that we serve.

What was the job search like after completing your degree?

I was already working in the childcare industry, and once I completed my degree I became the executive director for the program that I managed. We provided care for over 150 families. I later went on to become a regional manager, overseeing 19 schools in five states, and was then promoted to VP of strategy and development.

I'm currently a consultant for a premier early learning franchise company. I teach classes in Texas for those interested in entering the field of early education.

Why did you decide to move into teaching? Is this a common career path for sociology graduates?

A couple of years after I completed my sociology degree, I decided to pursue a master's degree in adult education and training. I was able to combine my passion for sociology, teaching, and training into one purpose.

For the last 12 years I have been a trainer and consultant for early childhood educators. One of the most popular classes I teach is parent communication, where we look at how we can effectively communicate with parents from different backgrounds and experiences.

What advice would you give to students considering a degree and career in sociology?

Go for it! I can't think of a more relevant major than sociology.

If you're interested in reforming the justice system, sociology is your major. If you are passionate about climate change, sociology is your major. If you want to open a nonprofit that helps women business owners start new businesses, sociology is your major. If you're interested in researching how the mental health crisis is impacting youth, sociology is your major.

Any final thoughts for us?

I encourage anyone thinking of majoring in sociology to talk to current or former sociology students, audit a class, read a sociology book, or listen to a sociology podcast.