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Sociologists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Sociologists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$125,770
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.3% vs 2024
$123,090
Mean Salary
$125,770
Median Salary
$60.47
Hourly Rate
590 people work as Sociologists in California

Sociologists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Sociologists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Sociologists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $85,030$85,03025th25% earn less than $98,770$98,770MedianHalf earn more than $125,770$125,77075th75% earn less than $138,710$138,71090thTop 10% earn more than $161,710$161,710

Sociologists in California earn a median salary of $125,770 per year ($10,480/month). This is 19.6% above the national average of $105,140. California ranks #4 out of 11 states for Sociologists pay. Approximately 590 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 4.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Writing
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Sociology and Anthropology
5.0
English Language
4.6
Education and Training
4.2
Mathematics
3.47
History and Archeology
3.4
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (50.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Sociologists in California

Salaries for Sociologists in California range from $85,030 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $161,710 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $98,770 and $138,710.

Median $125,770
P10: $85,030 P25: $98,770 P75: $138,710 P90: $161,710
10th
$85,030
25th
$98,770
Median
$125,770
75th
$138,710
90th
$161,710
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $85,030 $40.88 $7,085
25th Percentile $98,770 $47.49 $8,230
Median (50th) $125,770 $60.47 $10,480
75th Percentile $138,710 $66.69 $11,559
90th Percentile (Experienced) $161,710 $77.75 $13,475

Note: The mean (average) salary of $123,090 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#4
California ranks #4 of 11 states
$105,140
National avg. for Sociologists
+19.6%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Sociologists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Sociologists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Sociologists Data in California

Sociologists Salary by State

Compare Sociologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Sociologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Sociologists in California is $125,770 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $123,090.
What is the salary range for a Sociologists in California?
Salaries for Sociologists in California range from $85,030 at the 10th percentile to $161,710 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $98,770 and $138,710.
What is the starting salary for a Sociologists in California?
Entry-level Sociologists positions in California typically start around $85,030 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $98,770 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Sociologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 590 people are employed as Sociologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Sociologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Sociologists in California is approximately $60.47 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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