Top 10 cities for sociologists by average salary
| San Francisco, CA | $131,480 |
|---|---|
| Durham, NC | $129,900 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $125,220 |
| Riverside, CA | $124,360 |
| Boston, MA | $123,880 |
| Stockton, CA | $120,950 |
| Washington, DC | $105,420 |
| Seattle, WA | $101,990 |
| Columbus, OH | $84,660 |
| Lansing, MI | $81,650 |
Map: Sociologists salary by metro area
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Sociologists salary by state
Illinois pays sociologists the most statewide, $143,940 a year on average. Statewide columns cover every employer in the state; city columns cover the metro areas we publish.
| State | Statewide average | Statewide median | Jobs | Metros | Highest city average | Lowest city average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $143,940 | $140,770 | n/a | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| North Carolina | $129,740 | $126,760 | 170 | 1 | $129,900 | $129,900 |
| Massachusetts | $123,460 | $106,530 | 250 | 1 | $123,880 | $123,880 |
| California | $123,090 | $125,770 | 590 | 4 | $131,480 | $120,950 |
| Kentucky | $121,880 | $136,870 | 30 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Washington, D.C. | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | $105,420 | $105,420 |
| Michigan | $105,120 | $88,040 | 90 | 1 | $81,650 | $81,650 |
| Washington | $103,430 | $97,170 | 130 | 1 | $101,990 | $101,990 |
| Maryland | $100,930 | $100,660 | 50 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Alaska | $100,910 | $108,170 | 40 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Florida | $86,550 | $46,950 | 160 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Ohio | $84,440 | $78,850 | 130 | 1 | $84,660 | $84,660 |
Sociologists salary in every city we cover
Sort by any column. Each city links to its pay range, take-home pay and cost of living.
| Metro area | Average | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $131,480 | $134,770 | $63.21 | 110 |
| Durham, NC | $129,900 | $126,760 | $62.45 | n/a |
| Los Angeles, CA | $125,220 | $124,540 | $60.20 | 70 |
| Riverside, CA | $124,360 | $131,170 | $59.79 | 40 |
| Boston, MA | $123,880 | $106,530 | $59.56 | 240 |
| Stockton, CA | $120,950 | $131,170 | $58.15 | 30 |
| Washington, DC | $105,420 | $103,840 | $50.68 | 60 |
| Seattle, WA | $101,990 | $97,170 | $49.03 | 90 |
| Columbus, OH | $84,660 | $82,820 | $40.70 | 100 |
| Lansing, MI | $81,650 | $64,180 | $39.26 | 60 |
Related jobs
- Clinical and Counseling PsychologistsU.S. average $112,750
- School PsychologistsU.S. average $99,160
- EconomistsU.S. average $142,130
- Survey ResearchersU.S. average $79,580
- Urban and Regional PlannersU.S. average $94,750
- Anthropologists and ArcheologistsU.S. average $75,620
- HistoriansU.S. average $81,240
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All OtherU.S. average $107,690
Sociologists salary: questions
Where do sociologists make the most money?
In San Francisco, CA, with an average of $131,480 a year, among the 10 metro areas we cover.
What is the average sociologists salary in the U.S.?
$114,920 a year nationwide (BLS OEWS national estimates, May 2025); the median is $106,030, so half of sociologists earn more than that and half less.
What salary should sociologists ask for?
Start from the figures for your city: the middle half of sociologists nationwide earn between $82,300 (25th percentile) and $137,420 (75th percentile). Newer workers usually start near the 25th percentile and experienced ones can ask for the 75th; each city page shows the local range. See how to read salary percentiles.
Which state pays sociologists the most?
Illinois, with a statewide average of $143,940 a year (BLS state estimates, May 2025).
Where is sociologists pay the lowest?
Lansing, MI, at $81,650 a year on average. Lower pay often comes with lower prices: check the cost of living on each city page.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-3041.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.