Sociologists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The median pay for a sociologists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $132,200/year ($63.56/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $158K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 115.61), so that salary is closer to $114,350 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,604/month — about 46.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $132K get you in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
About sociologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Entry-level sociologists (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $132K.Top earners bring in $158K or more - a $80K 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do sociologists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median is $132,200 a year - that works out to about $63.56 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $78,130, and experienced sociologists can clear $158,330. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $132K enough to live in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,723/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,604/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 46.7% 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont has a Regional Price Parity of 115.61 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median sociologists salary is worth about $114,350 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.