Sociologists Salary in California
Sociologists in California earn a median annual wage of $125,770 —18.6% above the national median of $106,030. That ranks CA #4 of 11 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 2.24× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for sociologists
All 11 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $140,770 | $67.68 | — | — |
| 2 | Kentucky | $136,870 | $65.80 | 30 | 1.16 |
| 3 | North Carolina | $126,760 | $60.94 | 170 | 2.43 |
| 4 | California | $125,770 | $60.47 | 590 | 2.24 |
| 5 | Alaska | $108,170 | $52.01 | 40 | 7.45 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $106,530 | $51.22 | 250 | 4.71 |
| 7 | Maryland | $100,660 | $48.39 | 50 | 1.34 |
| 8 | Washington | $97,170 | $46.72 | 130 | 2.57 |
| 9 | Michigan | $88,040 | $42.33 | 90 | 1.40 |
| 10 | Ohio | $78,850 | $37.91 | 130 | 1.59 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $136,990 | $103,410 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $102,840 | $90,150 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $106,510 | $82,220 |
| Chemists | $97,860 | $91,240 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $116,000 | $100,580 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $78,350 | $62,280 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do sociologists make in California?
The median annual wage for sociologists in California is $125,770, or $60.47 per hour. That is 18.6% above the national median of $106,030.
What is the entry-level sociologists salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $85,030 per year ($40.88/hour). The 25th percentile is $98,770.
How many people work as sociologists in California?
About 590 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.0 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for sociologists?
California ranks #4 of 11 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 2.24x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays sociologists the most?
Illinois has the highest median wage at $140,770 per year, followed by Kentucky ($136,870) and North Carolina ($126,760).