Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a sociology teachers, postsecondary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $119,270/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $64K at the entry level to $221K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $108,015 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 47.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $119K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About sociology teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level sociology teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $64K. Mid-career wages sit at $119K.Top earners bring in $221K or more - a $157K spread from bottom to top.
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $130K | +57% | 880 |
| New Hampshire | $110K | +33% | 50 |
| Arizona | $106K | +29% | 120 |
| Michigan | $99K | +20% | 410 |
| District of Columbia | $99K | +20% | 70 |
| New York | $98K | +19% | 1,280 |
| Massachusetts | $98K | +19% | 730 |
| New Jersey | $98K | +18% | 440 |
| Wisconsin | $95K | +15% | 350 |
| Connecticut | $94K | +14% | 210 |
| Utah | $87K | +5% | 80 |
| Florida | $85K | +3% | 130 |
| Minnesota | $85K | +3% | 240 |
| Louisiana | $84K | +2% | 80 |
| Nevada | $84K | +2% | 110 |
Track sociology teachers, postsecondary salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do sociology teachers, postsecondarys make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $119,270 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $64,160, and experienced sociology teachers, postsecondarys can clear $220,760. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $119K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,087/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 49.1% 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 sociology teachers, postsecondary salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (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 sociology teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $108,015 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do sociology teachers, postsecondarys 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.