Sociology

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. They also study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

They are concerned with the characteristics of social groups, organizations, and institutions; the ways individuals are affected by social traits such as gender, socio-economic class, age, or race on a person’s daily life. The results of sociological research aid educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy.

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together.
The median annual wage for sociologists was $101,770 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,960, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $165,280.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for sociologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

• Scientific research and development services $98,040
• State government, excluding education and hospitals $93,800
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals $88,380
• Educational services; state, local, and private $86,800