Sociology is the social science that studies the interactions of people in groups. Issues ranging from race relations and religious differences to social classes and cultural diversity interest sociologists. A bachelor's degree in the field teaches critical thinking and analytical skills as well as excellent communication abilities. The degree prepares men and women for careers in education, social service, criminal justice and some areas of business. Salaries for sociology majors, however, are generally lower than for other academic disciplines.
Average Starting Salary
In 2008, the Wall Street Journal reported average starting salaries for bachelor's degree recipients in a wide range of academic majors, including sociology. The newspaper reported that sociology majors earned an average starting salary of $36,500 a year. Compared to other social science fields, sociology graduates earned slightly more than psychology and criminal justice majors, who averaged $35,900 and $35,000 a year, respectively. Their salaries trailed those of graduates who majored in political science or economics.
Mid-Career Salaries
As they gain work experience, salaries for sociology majors improve but still trail those of other social sciences. The Wall Street Journal indicated that the average mid-career salary for a sociology major was $58,200, higher than the mid-career average in criminal justice, which was $56,300, but lower than the averages for psychology, economics and political science. Mid-career earnings for sociology majors range from a low of $30,700 a year to a high of $118,000 a year for the highest-paid 10 percent.
Types of Jobs
Graduates who receive a bachelor's degree in sociology may qualify for a wide variety of jobs, depending on their skills and career interests. Examples of job titles include public policy analyst, school counselor, human resources counselor, case manager and market researcher, according to the North Carolina State University sociology and anthropology department.
Potential
Sociology degree recipients may have lower salaries than people who studied other fields; however, additional education and experience may open the doors to other career options with the potential for higher earnings. For example, a sociology degree is excellent preparation for a master's degree program in social work. North Carolina State University reported that an advanced degree can prepare a sociology major for such jobs as school psychologist, college or university professor, clinical administrator, counselor or therapist and social service agency manager.
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