Key takeaways
- As you graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, you may find entry-level jobs such as a social worker, research assistant, caseworker, survey assistant, and data handler.
- The most common industries and types of companies hiring sociology graduates include business startups, headhunters, justice systems, community services, healthcare, law firms, and advertising agencies.
- According to reports by PayScale, sociologists with graduate and postgraduate degrees make a salary of $68,025 on average.
- According to Salary.com, the average salary range is between $66,008 to $82,055 for sociologists.
- Social sciences is a broader discipline, as compared to a BA or BS in sociology which is more specific and specialized.
- A bachelor’s degree in sociology will equip you with skills such as communication skills, analytical skills, research capabilities, and data analysis.
- Sociology graduates can also implement their learning and skills in the cannabis industry.
- If you wish to combine subjects and disciplines with sociology, opt for disciplines like criminology, gender studies, or psychology.
It’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed when you are about to start college, and you are wondering what degree to pursue. There are a lot of options out there, and whichever degree or undergraduate program you choose should be thoroughly explored and cross-checked.
If you have selected, or are considering selecting a bachelor’s degree in sociology, your mind must be full of important questions. Job prospects, salary range, career pathways, and further education — all these are essential considerations to make.
To help out, here are some of the most critical questions regarding the sociology degree answered!
What are some entry-level jobs with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
With a sociology degree, you can get different entry-level jobs in various industries. Some of these jobs include:
- Social worker
- Junior research assistant
- Junior caseworker
- Organization training and development executive
- Survey assistant
- Data handler/manager
I just got my bachelor’s in sociology. What’s next?
If you have just graduated with your bachelor’s degree in sociology from an undergraduate college, it’s time for you to start looking for entry-level jobs. If you have not done any internships during your degree, you might want to start with sociology internships. Internships help you gain experience, and the employers offer you the chance to prove yourself without any prior experience.
Some internships also lead to jobs, so it could be a great starting point. To explore jobs, start using job boards and portals like Indeed, and go to companies’ websites and check their careers pages.
For those who have a bachelor’s degree in sociology, what careers do you guys have?
The most commonly pursued career paths for sociology graduates are:
- Healthcare administrators
- Educational administrators, teachers, and mentors
- Human resources specialists
- Social workers
- Social advocates
- Community managers
- Market researchers
- Policy analysts
Are there any part-time entry-level sociology jobs?
Most of the entry-level jobs for sociology graduates are full-time positions that require your assistance with social work, research projects, and legal cases. These roles are assistant-based, junior positions.
Part-time jobs in sociology are not as easily available, and most are looking for actively enrolled students instead of graduates. Additionally, part-time sociology jobs also pay less, so you might not be as inclined towards those. Moreover, part-time sociology jobs include roles like survey assistants, data handlers, and volunteer social workers.
What sort of jobs should I look for with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
As a sociology graduate, you will discover that your skill set is useful for many types of jobs. Your analytical skills, research skills, critical thinking, and social understanding can be used at various jobs including industries like Business, Health, Non-profit, and Education.
You should be able to land jobs in the following industries and types of companies:
- Business startups
- Headhunting
- Justice system
- Community services
- Social services
- Healthcare
- Data collection
- On-campus tutoring
- Teaching assistant or co-teacher
- Writing and publishing
- Journalism
- Law firms
- Medical research
- Polling firms
- Advertising agencies
What jobs can I get when I only have a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
According to BLS, most entry-level jobs for Sociologists require a Master’s or postgraduate education level. This might limit the job prospects for just bachelor’s degree holders.
However, this does not mean that there is a shortage of jobs for sociology graduates. You can find the following jobs with a bachelor’s degree in sociology:
- Research assistant
- Survey assistant
- Educator at elementary school, middle school, and summer camps
- Personal tutor
- Social work
- Junior caseworker
- Junior HR coordinator
- Child Care specialist
- Family welfare worker
- Interviewer
What are the careers with a major in sociology?
With a major in sociology, you can dive into various careers. The diverse skill set developed by a sociology major is helpful in various organizations, industries, and job types. With a major in sociology, you can pick careers such as journalism, social advocacy, criminal justice, social work, healthcare work, social research and projects, and employee training.
Careers with a sociology major can be established in private corporate organizations of various scales, as well as non-profit and government organizations.
What kind of job can you get with a BA in sociology?
A BA in sociology teaches you about the humanities and social sciences. With this degree, you get a depth and detailed understanding of the society that we humans exist in, the different cultures, and much more.
With a BA sociology degree, expect yourself to excel in jobs and career pathways such as business marketing, market research, justice work, and social work. Other fields like human rights advocacy, public relations, customer-relations management, employee welfare management, and even creative fields like design and content creation can also be added to the list.
What do I need to know about job prospects with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
BLS reports that there will be a 5% increase in sociology employment by 2032. California is the state with the highest number of employment for Sociologists, and that too is the highest paying. According to BLS, the highest-paying jobs for Sociologists are in the Technical Services and Scientific Research industries.
Moreover, you can find sociology degree jobs in numerous industries that include:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Social work
- Government work
- Criminal justice
Job prospects for a sociology degree may vary from one region to another as well. Also, your job prospects depend a lot on your academic career, your college reputation, and extracurriculars. It is best to focus on achieving an early internship so that you can land a good job after your graduation. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and some even lead to full-time jobs.
Is it really that hard to find decent work with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
As a fresh sociology graduate, you will need some time to get stable and stand on your feet. However, it is not difficult for you to find a reputable and decent job with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
To find decent jobs and work after your degree, make sure you are using the right mediums and platforms to find work. LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and many such online channels are extremely useful for finding professional work.
Meanwhile, you should also reach out to your college alumni who are already pursuing careers in sociology. Try networking with them to land a good job through referrals and recommendations.
While you look for jobs elsewhere, you can also continue doing on-campus jobs and duties, or indulge in volunteer social work. Seasonal help is always required at educational camps, rehab centers, and counseling organizations. Explore opportunities in these areas, and you will most likely find work as per your liking.
For those who got a master’s/bachelor’s in sociology, what is their expected salary?
According to BLS, $101,770 was the median salary for sociologists in 2023. However, according to PayScale reports, up till the first quarter of 2024, Sociologists made $68,025 on average salary. According to Salary.com, the average salary range for Sociologists is between $66,008 to $82,055.
Overall, the average salary range from 2023 and 2024 (first quarter) is not drastically low. However, some experts predict the salary range to be stagnant for some of the coming years, until a larger boost in salary for Sociologists in 10 years due to changing industries and technologies.
The salary range you may be offered can and will largely depend on your educational background, the state and city you are residing in, and your experience level.
What real-life jobs have you obtained with a sociology degree?
You will find discussion forums packed with sociology practitioners who are putting their sociology degrees to great use. Sociology graduates in the U.S. have been able to perform an endless number of duties and tasks at their diverse jobs. The career pathway for sociology graduates is unique and fruitful.
According to many people who graduated with their bachelor’s degree in sociology, they were able to land jobs such as:
- News collector
- Field reporter
- Statistician
- Medical assistant
- Hospital social worker
- Juvenile caseworker
- Parole officer
- Rural development worker
- Child development and training
- Medical records and data manager
- Public health statistician
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Hospital administrator
- editor/proofreader
- Content manage
- Community researcher
- Columnist
What jobs did you get after graduating from a sociology college?
Every college alumni has had a different academic and professional career. Whatever college you are choosing for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology, make sure you have explored what the college alumni are doing after graduation.
While job prospects vary significantly from one college to another, some of the main types of jobs and career pathways taken up by sociology graduates include:
- Career Counselors in high schools
- Caseworker
- Child development and training
- Child Care specialist
- Educator at summer camps
- Elementary Teacher
- Family welfare worker
- Field reporter
- High School Teacher
- Hospital social worker
- HR coordinator
- Interviewer
- Juvenile caseworker
- Media planning
- Medical assistant
- News collector
- Parole officer
- Personal tutor
- Research assistant
- Rural development worker
- School Administrator
- School Counselor
- Social worker
- Social advocate
- Legal advisor
- Statistician
- Survey assistant
- Teaching Assistant
People who majored in sociology, what do they currently do?
People majoring in sociology have been able to explore various types of jobs and responsibilities. A person who has majored in sociology can and should do the following:
- Design, plan, and lead research projects
- Test social theories and hypotheses about social issues and incidents
- Utilize relevant and appropriate research methodologies to collect and analyze data
- Collect data through methods like surveys, interviews, observations, and so on
- Design and prepare data reports, analysis, and both quantitative and qualitative reports
- Advice and assist senior research project owners and managers
Sociology majors tend to study subjects that revolve around the following areas:
- Crime
- Social stratification
- Social theories
- Popular theorists like Marx Weber
- Society and family
- Marriage in family
- Gender studies
- Race and society
Career options for a bachelor’s in sociology that isn’t teaching?
This is a huge misconception that sociology graduates are only made for the teaching profession. People who do bachelor’s in sociology can also enter fields like Healthcare, Criminal Justice, Business Management, Marketing, and Journalism.
BA in sociology or social sciences, what is better?
Social Sciences is a broader term that covers areas of study like sociology and Psychology. A BA in sociology will help you narrow down your scope of study and cater to particular points of interest. It will also make you eligible for Social Science related jobs, so you can take a different direction in your career. The two subjects are closely linked. Therefore, some colleges for sociology also offer sociology majors within their Social Sciences program.
Are there entry-level data research jobs with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
Yes, you will have entry-level research jobs for sociology graduates. These jobs don’t require a post-grad degree and are usually assistant or junior-level jobs. Some of these titles include survey assistant, data handler, interviewer, and research assistant.
After getting my BA in sociology, I am not sure what kind of jobs are available. What are the jobs available after completing my BA in sociology?
After a BA in sociology, your career pathways are diverse. You attain skills like research capabilities and excellent essay writing. With these skills, you can look into writing and publishing jobs, research assistant jobs, medical assistant jobs, career counseling, teaching, and mentoring jobs.
What did you do with your bachelor’s degree in sociology?
If you are trying to make up your mind about pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology, make sure to speak to your college alumni, and faculty, and seek Sociologists in your network like LinkedIn. Learn about their experiences, tips, and their journey as a sociology graduate.
There is an excellent variety of accredited and qualified colleges in New York, colleges in California, colleges in Arizona, and so many more states.
Are there any careers in sociology that only require an undergraduate degree?
Yes, entry-level jobs such as technical services and healthcare social work require just an undergraduate degree. Internships and some volunteer social work also only require an undergraduate degree, and sometimes even not that. There are many opportunities you can explore with a sociology undergrad degree.
Freshly graduated with a BA in sociology, what now?
After your graduation, this is the perfect time to explore professional networks such as LinkedIn and Indeed. Make sure to use websites like Glassdoor to explore the leading companies in your field of study, and apply for jobs there. This is also a great time to start exploring post-graduate education, as it is very important to land a high-paying sociology degree job.
Sociology is so interesting, but how am I supposed to make a living?
Sociology is an excellent field of study with great career prospects. You should pursue this degree if you are interested in the field. However, you need to develop and polish your writing, research, and reading skills for this industry. Once you graduate, you will find great jobs to make a living.
Career path for bachelor-level sociology graduates?
The best starting point for bachelor-level sociology graduates is to take up a paid internship or a short-term contractual position that does not require prior experience. By working short-term jobs and projects, you will gain industry insights and experience to fully apply your skills at full-time long-term jobs.
The best career path for sociology graduates is where they can interact with humans in groups, such as in classrooms, hospitals, or field research. Therefore, you should start looking for a career path in industries like Business Management, Market Research, Media Planning, Healthcare Work, Social Work, Teaching, and so on.
How can I make $80k+ annually with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
According to Salary.com, the average salary range for Sociologists is between $66,008 and $82,055. According to BLS, the highest-paying industries are technical services and scientific research. By delving into these fields, you can easily make $80K+ annually, and even more.
Is a sociology degree going to get me a job eventually?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in sociology can get you a job in the research field, journalism, writing and publishing, teaching, or choose a human resources career path(HR).
How useful is a degree in sociology?
A bachelor’s degree in sociology will help you improve:
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Research capabilities
- Data analysis
With these skills, you can explore jobs in industries like:
- Public services
- community services
- Business management
- Counseling and coaching services
- Social advocacy
- Legal services
Is a sociology degree worth it?
A bachelor’s degree in sociology can be really beneficial in changing your personal and professional demeanor. It gives a unique, theoretical, and objective perspective to viewing the world around you. Additionally, it helps understand human behaviors and provides you with better people management skills.
It is a worthy degree for anyone who may be interested in Social Sciences and wants to continue working in that field. The sociology degree requires good reading and writing skills, so if you have all that, then it’s a worthy degree.
You can also explore a sociology undergraduate program online to get convenience, affordability, and a worthy degree.
Can I go into business and marketing with a bachelor’s degree in sociology?
A bachelor’s degree in sociology can prepare you for a multitude of industries and jobs. Some of these are business management, marketing, and a career in human resources. With sociology, you develop a deeper understanding of human behaviors in groups and how to cater to them. Plus, you get to develop excellent research skills.
These two skills can help you conduct market surveys and research, and then develop the most effective and long-lasting marketing plans for your target audience. By understanding how humans behave, you also develop an understanding of how your audience will react to your business, brand, product, and marketing campaign.
Is sociology a good path for wanting to be a social worker?
Yes, sociology is the ideal degree for pursuing a career as a social worker.
Can a BA in sociology be used in lieu of social work?
For entry and mid-level social work, a BA in sociology can be a good starting work. However, to achieve a higher salary bracket and enjoy greater social work opportunities, you might need a Master’s in Social Work.
Does anyone do HR with a BA in sociology?
Yes, HR is one of the most common career pathways taken up by sociology graduates. Your knowledge of human behaviors and people management helps with HR responsibilities. You should get a bachelor’s in HR if you want to diversify your career path.
Is it possible to be working remotely with a sociology degree?
There has been a decline in remote jobs after things got back to normal post-covid. Overall, remote jobs are on the decline, as employers still prefer employees working on-site.
The possibility of landing a job to work remotely is not affected by a bachelor’s degree in sociology or any other. It depends on your employer and the nature of your work.
If you opt for a job that requires working with online surveys, then remote working is a possible option that you will have to take up with your line manager.
If I get a sociology bachelor, will I regret it?
Whether or not you regret getting a sociology bachelor is dependent upon several factors that you must consider before you start the degree.
These factors include:
- Your career goals and preferences
- Your existing skills such as reading capabilities
- Plans for further education (PhD, or masters)
- Good sociology programs in colleges on your radar
What is the most interesting job you have had directly as a sociology major?
According to people who have worked as sociology majors, some of the most interesting jobs they have had to do included social research. Most of these professionals worked with their private or public organizations and were given the task of conducting research in society regarding particular social issues and theories.
Some marketing research analysts also enjoyed their work, as it gave them insights into how people perceive a brand and what factors change their notions. All research work leads to social discoveries and a deeper understanding of human behaviors.
How are sociology careers within the cannabis industry?
The cannabis industry offers various opportunities for individuals with backgrounds in sociology to contribute their learnings, experience, and skills. The industry is full of research projects still going on that can prove to be groundbreaking for medical and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, there is a lot of scope for finding a job in Cannabis research projects as a survey assistant, research assistant, and data analyst.
Moving on, cannabis policymaking is also currently a work in progress. Sociologists tend to be assistants for policymakers, where they conduct research and observe data that can be used to formulate policies.
Additionally, cannabis use regulation and rehabilitation is also an important space that welcomes sociologists and experts from other fields of social sciences. Community engagement and social advocacy for cannabis and its right use is also another career within the cannabis industry for Sociologists.
I am a sociology major looking into jobs, especially in tech. What are the prospects like?
There are notable contributions made to the technology industry by many sociologists. Nancy Baym, for example, is a modern-day Sociologist contributing to one of the world’s largest tech companies Microsoft. She contributes to the company by utilizing her understanding of human behavior and evaluating how humans react and engage with the technologies made by the company.
Similarly, the merging technologies are creating new fields to be explored and researched, so the job outlook is great. However, you must keep up with industry trends. Since there is an increase in human-technology interaction, there is rigorous research going on to understand the interaction better. Some of the areas of the tech industry where your sociology major can contribute are:
- Understanding and improving user experience
- Ensuring diversity and accessibility in technology
- Identifying social problems that technology can solve
- Market research and campaign planning
What is the best-paying sociology job?
As per BLS, scientific research and development services were the highest-paying jobs for Sociologists in 2023. These jobs paid a median salary of $98,040. As you progress in your career, the pay scale may increase. However, entry-level jobs are not the best paying.
What are the best degrees to combine with sociology for career opportunities?
During your bachelor’s degree in sociology, your college might offer you to pick electives and areas of concentration to complement your bachelor’s degree in sociology. At the time, it’s a crucial decision that can shape your future career opportunities. Here are the best subjects to combine with sociology!
Criminology: Criminology degrees are inter-disciplinary. Job prospects include social and legal justice roles, casework, and social advocacy roles.
Political science and international relations: Job prospects include policy making.
Psychology: Job prospects could include career counseling, teaching, organizational therapy, and more.
Gender studies: Job prospects include social work, family welfare, social advocacy, and community management.
Now you know everything about sociology!
With so many common and frequently asked questions answered, we hope to have provided you with all the necessary information you need regarding a bachelor’s degree in sociology. It should be now easier for you to decide whether a bachelor’s degree in sociology is for you or not. Make sure you explore all your options. Look into the importance of studying criminology, or whether you are fit for a degree in HR.
You should do some thorough research and pursue a sociology program that aligns with your career goals. There are many career prospects with a sociology degree, so do not hesitate!