Sociology majors are amazed and intrigued by the way humans interact. They study the evolution of human communication, from ancient civilizations to modern-day social movements. Because the field combines aspects of history, psychology, political science and philosophy, there are a wide variety of potential jobs opportunities — most of which are humanities-based and involve research, reading, writing and communicating.
Here is a list of 12 possible jobs for sociology majors:
Most Common Jobs for Sociology Majors
1. Sociology Professor
Communication, patience, organization and enthusiasm are some of the most important characteristics of a good college professor. To earn a job teaching at the post-secondary level, a master’s degree (and sometimes a doctorate degree) is required. In addition to teaching, some college professors also are assigned to conduct research and write scholarly articles.
Median annual wage: $73,080
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%
2. Elementary/Middle School Teacher
After earning a bachelor’s degree, those who aspire to teach in elementary or middle schools have to complete an internship in a school classroom, pass the state-required test for teachers and receive a teaching certificate/license.
If you are dead set on being a teacher, the best advice would be to major in education. But if you’re still uncertain about what you want to do, a sociology major could ultimately help you land a teaching job.
Median annual wage: $57,350
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & teaching certificate
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0%
3. High School Teacher
Sociology majors understand how humans work, which makes them qualified candidates for teaching in high schools, where teenagers benefit from the advice/guidance their teachers offer them. However, to earn a teaching job, sociology majors may have to seek further, more specialized education, as not every high school offers sociology classes.
As do elementary and middle school teachers, those who aspire to teach in high school also have to complete an internship in a school classroom, pass the state-required test for teachers and receive a teaching certificate/license.
Median annual wage: $57,350
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & teaching certificate
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1%
Specialized, Unique Jobs for Sociology Majors
4. Sociologist
Sociologists study human behavior and identify trends through conducting surveys, interviews and research. They are masters of using data and observations to draw logical, accurate conclusions about, primarily, social issues. They could work for political groups, research institutes, universities and more. Generally, sociologists flock towards educational institutions, and receive their master’s and/or doctorate degree before practicing their craft.
Median annual wage: $79,650
Common entry-level degree: Master’s/Doctorate degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 6%
5. Counselor
Counselors are primarily responsible with helping people overcome mental ailments. Those trained in sociology make great counselors because they are masters at reading people and coming to logical conclusions. Counselors work in hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, and retirement homes, among others. Rules vary from state to state, but generally, a license and master’s degree are required to start practicing.
Median annual wage: $46,740
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree & license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0%
6. Social Worker
Similar to counselors, social workers are responsible for helping people who may have mental disorders work through their ailments. But social workers may be less likely to offer immediate help or crisis management. Instead, they may point people in the direction to gain the help and support they need. Social workers work at hospitals, schools, military bases, prisons and more. All social workers are required to be licensed, and most of the time, a master’s degree in social work is also needed to earn a job.
Median annual wage: $47,980
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree & license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0%
Non-Traditional Jobs for Sociology Majors
7. Lawyer
Presumably due to their interest in analyzing human interaction, some sociology majors go on to be lawyers. But, to do so, completing a bachelor’s degree program is just the first step. If you want to become a lawyer, you will also have to pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), apply to law school, earn a Juris Doctor degree and pass the Bar examination — all before you can begin to practice law. Generally, it takes 3 years to graduate from law school, so the entire process takes 7-8 years. If you’re interested in earning your master’s degree in sociology while working towards your Juris Doctor degree, some universities, such as Stanford, offer joint programs.
Median annual wage: $119,250
Common entry-level degree: Juris Doctor degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 4%
8. Education Administrator
Education administrators generally work in educational environments, but not as teachers. Broadly, they are the people in charge of overseeing administrative tasks within a school. They could be principals, but job titles may vary. You don’t need a specific bachelor’s degree to become an education administrator, but those who study sociology develop interpersonal communication skills that translate well to the job.
Aspiring education administrators must go on to earn their teaching license, work for a few years as a teacher, complete a master’s degree in education administration and, typically, pass a state test to receive a administrator’s license.
Median annual wage: $88,890
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree & administrator’s license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0%
9. Culture Reporter
Technically, there is no required degree to become a reporter, but you will have a hard time finding a job without one. Skilled reporters are master storytellers with strong writing and grammar skills. To learn the essential skills, most aspiring reporters study journalism in college.
However, sociology majors are often great observers and analyzers, which translates well to writing long-form, culture-based articles.
Median annual wage: $40,910
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 11%
Other Potential Jobs for Sociology Majors
10. Psychologist
Psychologists are masters of the human mind. They help individual people overcome deep mental ailments and disorders through, primarily, conversation. Although there are distinct differences between sociology and psychology, the two subjects demand many of the same skills, including the ability to read people, communicate well and gauge situations. However, before one can become a practicing psychologist, one must complete a doctorate degree in psychology and earn a license. Some states require a supervised psychology internship, which could last a couple of years.
Median annual wage: $97,740
Common entry-level degree: Doctorate degree & license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0%
11. Human Resources
Human resources (HR) positions are very common in a wide range of industries. Essentially, they are responsible for all employee relations. HR personnel typically are the people who do the hiring, firing and mitigating within a company. Good HR employees are unprejudiced, empathetic and not afraid of confrontation. Because sociology majors often have an ability to observe human interactions impartially, they make good, fair candidates for HR jobs.
Median annual wage: $60,570
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 31%
12. Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors help those who are struggling with drugs or alcohol overcome their addictions. They could work with individuals or full groups. This job is geared more towards sociology majors who have an interest in using their observation and communication skills to help others. Similar to other counseling jobs on this list, a license and a master’s degree in counseling are often required to earn a job as a substance abuse counselor.
Median annual wage: $43,300
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree & administrator’s license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%
10 Famous People Who Studied Sociology
- Dan Aykroyd
- Saul Bellow
- James Blunt
- Jesse Jackson
- Martin Luther King
- Michelle Obama
- Regis Philbin
- Ahmad Rashad
- Ronald Reagan
- Joe Theismann
To explore options for other majors, click here.
