Sociologist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Sociologists Make?
Sociologists earn a median annual salary of $101,690 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $60,710 at the 10th percentile to $168,590 at the 90th percentile — a range of $107,880. The highest-paying state is Oregon at $211,560.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,710 |
| 25th percentile | $78,150 |
| Median (50th) | $101,690 |
| 75th percentile | $134,780 |
| 90th percentile | $168,590 |
Sociologist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregontop | $211,560 |
| Illinois | $134,730 |
| New York | $130,180 |
| California | $120,610 |
| North Carolina | $108,060 |
| Massachusetts | $103,510 |
| Maryland | $95,300 |
| Washington | $88,330 |
| Michigan | $82,910 |
| Wisconsin | $82,570 |
| Minnesota | $79,370 |
| Ohio | $77,560 |
| Florida | $40,000 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Sociologists
Sociologist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$60,710 – $78,150 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$101,690 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$134,780 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $168,590+ |
How to Earn More as a Sociologist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Sociologists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $132,200 — $30,510 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($134,780) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Sociologist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Sociologistthis career | $101,690 |
| Epidemiologist | $83,980 |
| Economist | $115,440 |
| Survey Researcher | $63,380 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $109,840 |
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SOC: 19-3041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.