SOC 19-3041 · May 2025 · United States
Sociologists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
$106,030 /year
The median wage for Sociologists across the United States is $106,030 per year, measured over 2,260 jobs. The highest state median is in Illinois, at $140,770.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Sociologists
Pay for this occupation varies by 199.8% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Illinois pays $140,770 and Florida pays $46,950.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $140,770 | — | |
| 2 | Kentucky | $136,870 | 30 | |
| 3 | North Carolina | $126,760 | 170 | |
| 4 | California | $125,770 | 590 | |
| 5 | Alaska | $108,170 | 40 | |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $106,530 | 250 | |
| 7 | Maryland | $100,660 | 50 | |
| 8 | Washington | $97,170 | 130 | |
| 9 | Michigan | $88,040 | 90 | |
| 10 | Ohio | $78,850 | 130 |
States with the most Sociologists jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 590 | $125,770 | |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 250 | $106,530 | |
| 3 | North Carolina | 170 | $126,760 | |
| 4 | Florida | 160 | $46,950 | |
| 5 | Ohio | 130 | $78,850 | |
| 6 | Washington | 130 | $97,170 | |
| 7 | Michigan | 90 | $88,040 | |
| 8 | Maryland | 50 | $100,660 | |
| 9 | Alaska | 40 | $108,170 | |
| 10 | Kentucky | 30 | $136,870 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $134,770 | 110 |
| 2 | Riverside | $131,170 | 40 |
| 3 | Stockton | $131,170 | 30 |
| 4 | Durham | $126,760 | — |
| 5 | Los Angeles | $124,540 | 70 |
| 6 | Boston | $106,530 | 240 |
| 7 | Washington | $103,840 | 60 |
| 8 | Seattle | $97,170 | 90 |
| 9 | Columbus | $82,820 | 100 |
| 10 | Lansing | $64,180 | 60 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.