Sociologist Career
There is a system of thought which believes if people do not understand the world, then the more likely they will be overwhelmed by the world. The work and contributions of sociologists help people understand one another. Sociology is a social science that studies the culture, social interactions and patterns of social relationships that make up society. Sociologists are key players in decision-making across many institutional platforms within humanity.
Sociologists observe social, political, religious, and economic groups of people, organizations, and institutions. They examine the effects of social influences. For example, sociologists will look at how new legislation or implemented policies impact a particular group of people within society. Sociologists may work in areas of education, crime, social services, law, or work as statisticians, policy analysts or demographers.
Sociologist Career Snapshot
Sociologists work full time during regular business hours and can be found sitting at a desk in an office or walking about in the field. When in the office, they process, document, and analyze information. Outside of the office, they conduct observations and interviews for research or for the purpose of presenting information.
Further details on a career as a sociologist are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average yearly salary for sociologists.
decrease in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Doctoral degree while 23% have a Master’s degree.
Sociologist Education
The field of sociology requires extensive job preparation in the form of graduate-level studies. While a little over 20% enter the field with a Master’s degree, 77% of sociologists have a Doctoral degree in the science. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree would benefit greatly from internships or volunteering when looking for entry-level sociology work.
Sociologist Job Duties
The field of sociology requires extensive job preparation in the form of graduate-level studies. While a little over 20% enter the field with a Master’s degree, 77% of sociologists have a Doctoral degree in the science. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree would benefit greatly from internships or volunteering when looking for entry-level sociology work.
Sociologist Salaries
The average median salary for sociologists is $73,760 annually according to BLS.gov May 2015 statistics. For the lowest 10% of earners, their yearly salary is $36,200. The highest 10% of earners make about $ 145,250 per year.
Sociologist Job Outlook
Projected growth for this field shows little to no change from now until 2024. The top three industries that are projected to employ sociologists, gainfully, are those of Technical and Scientific services, Educational services, and Government. Candidates with a Ph.D., robust research and analytical skills, and a strong background in applied sociology will see more job opportunities.
Sociologist Skills & Traits
| Sociologist Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Sociologist: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Reading Comprehension • Active Listening • Social Perceptiveness • Writing • Active Learning | • Oral Expression • Written Comprehension • Oral Comprehension • Written Expression • Deductive Reasoning | • Digital Video Recorders • Digital Audio Recorders • Laser Printers • Scanners • Videoconferencing Equipment | • Analyzing Data or Information • Getting Information • Interacting with Computers • Interpreting Information for Others • Updating Relevant Knowledge |
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