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Sociology Majors’ Salary Over the Career
This figure shows median earnings by age for those who majored in Sociology but have a bachelor’s degree only: “This Major (BA only)”, and those who majored in Sociology but obtained a masters degree or higher: “This Major (Grad Degree)”. For reference, “All Majors (BA only)” contains the median income for all college graduates who have a bachelor’s degree only, and “All Majors (Grad Degree)” contains the median income for all college graduates who have a Master’s degree or higher.
This table highlights key outcomes for Sociology majors, compared to averages for all college graduates.
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Top 10 Early-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
These are the top occupations for Sociology majors aged 25-35 who have a BA only (no graduate degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Sociology majors aged 25-35 with a BA only who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Social Workers | 46,700 |
| 3 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 64,800 |
| 3 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 3 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 41,300 |
| 3 | Police Officers and Detectives | 86,800 |
| 3 | Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists | 64,100 |
| 3 | First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers | 56,000 |
| 2 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 47,800 |
| 2 | Customer Service Representatives | 46,700 |
| 2 | Counselors | 42,800 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
These are the top occupations for Sociology majors aged 45-55 who have a BA only (no graduate degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Sociology majors aged 45-55 with a BA only who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 7 | Social Workers | 60,400 |
| 4 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 96,500 |
| 3 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 52,900 |
| 3 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 48,100 |
| 3 | First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers | 82,600 |
| 2 | Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists | 76,000 |
| 2 | Police Officers and Detectives | 110,000 |
| 2 | First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 69,600 |
| 2 | Retail Salespersons | 25,800 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Master’s Degree or higher)
These are the top occupations for Sociology majors aged 45-55 who have completed graduate work (Masters, PhD, Professional Degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Sociology majors aged 45-55 with graduate degrees who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Social Workers | 76,700 |
| 8 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 78,300 |
| 7 | Lawyers, and judges, magistrates, and other judicial workers | 158,000 |
| 6 | Postsecondary Teachers | 96,200 |
| 5 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 5 | Counselors | 69,300 |
| 4 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 124,000 |
| 4 | Education Administrators | 103,000 |
| 2 | Social and Community Service Managers | 91,600 |
| 2 | Chief executives and legislators/public administration | 170,000 |
Top 10 Early-Career Industries
These are the top industries for Sociology majors aged 25-35 and the median income they received in the industry. The share indicates the percentage of Sociology majors aged 25-35 who worked in that industry.
| Share | Industry | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Elementary and secondary schools | 55,100 |
| 7 | Social services, n.e.c. | 48,900 |
| 6 | Justice, public order, and safety | 68,500 |
| 5 | Colleges and universities | 57,700 |
| 5 | Health services, n.e.c. | 49,100 |
| 4 | Hospitals | 62,000 |
| 3 | Eating and drinking places | 32,400 |
| 3 | Legal services | 70,300 |
| 3 | Insurance | 64,500 |
| 3 | Membership organizations, n.e.c. | 52,900 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Industries
These are the top industries for Sociology majors aged 45-55 and the median income they received in the industry. The share indicates the percentage of Sociology majors aged 45-55 who worked in that industry.
| Share | Industry | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Elementary and secondary schools | 64,500 |
| 8 | N/A (not applicable) | 0 |
| 6 | Justice, public order, and safety | 94,400 |
| 6 | Colleges and universities | 85,100 |
| 5 | Social services, n.e.c. | 61,800 |
| 4 | Health services, n.e.c. | 64,700 |
| 4 | Hospitals | 77,100 |
| 3 | Administration of human resources programs | 74,400 |
| 3 | Insurance | 93,500 |
| 3 | Legal services | 111,000 |
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