We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Sociology Jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Sociology is not a very lucrative degree to have, mostly because jobs in the field are hard to come by. With that being said, there are some high-paying sociology jobs out there.
Working towards a master’s or a doctorate degree in sociology gives you an edge over other sociology majors because people who hold these degrees typically get better-paying jobs.
Let’s take a look at the highest-paying sociology jobs for graduates.
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Table of Contents
#10. Mental Health Counselor
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $35,000 per year
- High Range: $64,000 per year
- Median Pay: $45,014 per year
What do they do?
A mental health counselor is a professional who helps people with mental health issues live better lives. They work with patients to help them overcome their challenges and improve their quality of life.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The level of education employers requires for this position varies depending on the job setting. For instance, you might need an undergraduate sociology degree or one in psychology in a hospital setting.
While in a private practice setting, you’d need at least a master’s degree in counseling or psychology. Most employers prefer candidates with some kind of post-graduate training in clinical practice or specialization courses within their chosen field.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
You may find a mental health counselor working in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, schools, or private practices.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get this job by getting an undergraduate degree in psychology or social work. Once you have your degree, you can consider gaining some experience working as a counselor before applying for jobs at hospitals and other facilities that offer mental health services.
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What’s it like to be a mental health counselor?
#9. Paralegal
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $35,000 per year
- High Range: $73,000 per year
- Median Pay: $49,930 per year
What do they do?
Paralegals are the backbone of many legal offices. They support lawyers and legal professionals who need help gathering evidence, filing paperwork, or doing other tasks that require an extra set of hands and eyes.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers often prefer individuals with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. But they will also consider those with associate degrees if they have previous experience working in law firms or insurance companies.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Paralegals work in the offices of lawyers and law firms. They may also be self-employed or freelance their services to multiple firms.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get this job by earning a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field. Then seek out an internship at a law firm or office where lawyers practice on their own.
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What’s it like to be a paralegal?
#8. Public Relations Specialist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $38,000 per year
- High Range: $73,000 per year
- Median Pay: $51,140 per year
What do they do?
Public relations specialists are responsible for managing the public image of a company or organization. Their duties may include:
- Writing favorable press releases.
- Supporting brand social media accounts.
- Writing newsletters and articles.
- Hosting events.
- Developing relationships with journalists.
A public relations specialist may also help companies develop a brand identity and promote their products or services to the public.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
When it comes to public relations specialists, employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned a bachelor’s degree in communications or public relations. A graduate degree is not required but can be helpful if you want to move up in your career.
This field needs strong writing skills and excellent communication skills to convey the brand’s message to journalists, bloggers, and other members of the media.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Public relations specialists work in many industries, including fashion and cosmetics, technology, health care and pharmaceuticals, sports, and entertainment.
What is the best way to get this job?
Though there are many different ways to get into this career, all employers want applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field. They also expect applicants to have some experience in public relations or writing, preferably with print media. If you meet these requirements, then you may apply.
What’s it like to be a public relations specialist?
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#7. Guidance Counselor
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $41,000 per year
- High Range: $77,000 per year
- Median Pay: $53,714 per year
What do they do?
Guidance counselors are responsible for helping students navigate the challenges of school and life. They work with students to help them identify their strengths, goals, and interests. These counseling professionals use those insights to guide them toward programs and classes that will help them develop the skills they need to succeed in college or at work. Guidance counselors often work with students from elementary school through high school, but some also work with adults who want to return to school or get their first job.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers prefer applicants who have a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or education. However, some employers will accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree if they have experience working with students.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Guidance counselors work mostly in high schools and middle schools, but it’s possible to find a job in a college setting as well. They can work for public school districts or private schools.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get this job by earning a master’s degree in counseling or education. In addition to having a bachelor’s degree, employers often prefer applicants with experience working as a teacher or counselor. Therefore, volunteer or apply for internships at your local high school or university.
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What’s it like to be a guidance counselor?
#6. Higher Education Lecturer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $33,387 per year
- High Range: $126,217 per year
- Median Pay: $55,463 per year
What do they do?
A sociology lecturer is a teacher of sociology at the university level. They teach students about the social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, and psychology. In addition to teaching classes, they may also perform sociological research and write books or articles on the subject matter.
These professionals also help students design research projects.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Sociology lecturers typically need a master’s degree in sociology or another relevant field, such as psychology or anthropology.
These lecturers must be able to communicate both orally and in writing when teaching their classes. They must be able to motivate students so that they stay interested in what they’re learning about sociological concepts like culture.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Sociology lecturers work at colleges and universities throughout the country. But they can also find work in government agencies, nonprofits, or other organizations that deal with social issues.
What is the best way to get this job?
One way to get this job is by gaining experience through internships and volunteer work. Then start applying for paid positions at schools or other organizations that offer sociology classes.
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What’s it like to be a higher education lecturer?
#5. Community Outreach Advocate
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $35,000 per year
- High Range: $123,000 per year
- Median Pay: $56,052 per year
What do they do?
Community outreach advocates are social workers who make sure that all communities are represented in the workplace, and they’re more important than ever before.
They ensure that companies reach out to minority groups and make their voices heard, both internally and externally. These professionals also help make sure that the company’s policies and practices meet each community’s needs.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a community outreach advocate, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field. Employers prefer candidates who have experience working with communities or in an advocacy setting.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Most community outreach advocates work at nonprofit organizations or government agencies, but some work in private practice as consultants or independent contractors.
What is the best way to get this job?
The fastest way to get this job is to get involved in local events and community groups. Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the community—and it also makes you more visible when looking for a job.
What’s it like to be a community outreach advocate?
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#4. Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $40,000 per year
- High Range: $95,000 per year
- Median Pay: $59,553 per year
What do they do?
Probation officers are responsible for keeping track of their client’s behavior and ensuring they obey the law. Correctional treatment specialists are responsible for helping their clients change their behavior so that they do not commit more crimes.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Both positions require at least a sociology degree or one in criminal justice, psychology, or a related field. In some cases, employers prefer applicants with graduate degrees in social work or counseling.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Probation officers work at community correction centers, detention centers, and law enforcement agencies such as police departments or sheriff’s offices.
Correctional treatment specialists typically work for state prisons or jails. They may also provide services in juvenile detention facilities or county jails.
What is the best way to get this job?
Once you have your degrees, the fastest way to get this job is by applying directly through the hiring agency’s website. You can also submit an application via email attachment when you apply online with an agency with specific openings posted online.
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- American Sociologist, The
What’s it like to be a probation officer or a correctional treatment specialist?
#3. Caseworker
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $42,000 per year
- High Range: $178,000 per year
- Median Pay: $72,166 per year
What do they do?
Caseworkers are responsible for helping clients navigate the complex social services system. They provide support, counseling, and advice to their clients. A caseworker can work with anyone, from children to adults.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The level of education employers prefer for this job varies depending on what type of facility you want to work for. Some employers prefer an associate sociology degree, while others look for experience.
Some caseworkers may also be required to obtain a license from the state, which requires an additional certification exam.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
They can work in private practice, hospitals, community agencies, or even within the government.
What is the best way to get this job?
Once you have a sociology background, the best way to get this job is through internships and volunteer experience at local agencies. If you have that under your belt already, then apply.
What’s it like to be a caseworker?
#2. Market Research Analyst
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $58,000 per year
- High Range: $139,000 per year
- Median Pay: $85,094 per year
What do they do?
Market research analysts are the people who help you know what kind of product will sell and how much it will cost. They conduct research on the market and then communicate their findings to the rest of the company.
Their primary responsibilities include:
- Researching the market for trends in customer behavior.
- Identifying potential new products based on customer needs.
- Estimating costs and profits for new products.
- Analyzing existing products and their sales performance.
- Making recommendations about product pricing and distribution channels.
They help the company develop towards a sustainable and profitable future.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These professionals have a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or economics, with some employers preferring an MBA. Market research analysts can also get qualified through internships or other relevant experience. You also need strong analytical skills to succeed in this field.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Most market research analysts work for large companies like Google or Microsoft, but government agencies and nonprofit organizations also employ them.
What is the best way to get this job?
The fastest way to get this job is to get your degree in one of the subjects listed above. Then look for opportunities at local businesses that need someone to do market research on their product or services.
What’s it like to be a market research analyst?
#1. Policy Officer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $57,000 per year
- High Range: $151,000 per year
- Median Pay: $87,644 per year
What do they do?
Policy officers develop strategies and implement policies for their organizations. They work with management teams, employees, and the public to figure out the best solutions for their problems.
They study the needs of their organization or agency and develop policies designed to meet those needs. These policy specialists also study other organizations’ policies and make recommendations for improvement.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become an effective policy officer, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field. Most employers prefer candidates who have at least an MBA or MA in Public Policy.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Policy officers work in all kinds of places: international agencies, think tanks, NGOs, and government bodies like state legislatures or Congress.
What is the best way to get this job?
The fastest way to get this job is by gaining experience through internships and volunteering opportunities. This way, you’ll demonstrate your interest in this field while showing off your skills.
What’s it like to be a policy officer?
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are many jobs for sociology graduates. Whether you majored in social work, criminology, or psychology, there is a career path for you. You can get any of these jobs with a sociology degree.
Keep your options open, and don’t be afraid to look further than the job ads you find when searching for your first position. You might discover a whole new world of choices that will better suit your lifestyle and bank account.
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