Sociologists Salary in California
The median pay for a sociologists in California is $120,610/year ($57.99/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $81K at the entry level to $157K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $121K get you in California?
About sociologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level sociologists (10th percentile) start around $81K. Mid-career wages sit at $121K.Top earners bring in $157K or more - a $76K spread from bottom to top.
Sociologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $212K | +108% | N/A |
| Illinois | $135K | +32% | N/A |
| New York | $130K | +28% | 50 |
| California | $121K | +19% | 660 |
| North Carolina | $108K | +6% | 240 |
| Massachusetts | $104K | +2% | 600 |
| Maryland | $95K | -6% | 90 |
| Washington | $88K | -13% | 90 |
| Michigan | $83K | -18% | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $83K | -19% | 100 |
| Minnesota | $79K | -22% | 30 |
| Ohio | $78K | -24% | 110 |
| Florida | $40K | -61% | 180 |
Track sociologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do sociologists make in California?
The median is $120,610 a year - that works out to about $57.99 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $80,930, and experienced sociologists can clear $157,010. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $121K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,153/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 30.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a sociologists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median sociologists salary is worth about $120,610 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do sociologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.