Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Sociologist is a social scientist who studies human societies, interactions, and institutions. They examine social life, changes, causes, and consequences of human behavior to understand how societies function and evolve.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 4.5% (above average)
Annual job openings: 300
Direct AI exposure: 39% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 85% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $106K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $65K per year | $82K per year | $106K per year | $137K per year | $173K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $55K above the national average. | ||||
Sociologists primarily work in research institutions, academia, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Their environment often involves office settings for data analysis and writing, as well as fieldwork for conducting interviews and surveys. They may also collaborate with other social scientists, policymakers, or public health officials.
Sociologists play a crucial role in shedding light on the complexities of social life. They explore diverse aspects of society, including family structures, racial and gender identity, poverty, crime, education, and health. Their research helps in understanding social issues and contributing to the development of public policy.
This profession requires strong analytical skills to interpret data and identify patterns and trends in social behavior. Sociologists must also be adept at communicating their findings, both in writing and orally, to a wide range of audiences, including academics, policymakers, and the general public.
A career in sociology is intellectually stimulating and offers the opportunity to explore and address some of the most challenging and pressing issues facing societies. Sociologists often find fulfillment in the potential impact of their work on improving social conditions and informing public policy.
A master's degree or Ph.D. in sociology or a related field is typically required for most sociologist positions, which means about 6-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate studies.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
