Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary Salary 2025: $84,290 Median, Top States Pay Over $120K
The median annual salary for Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary in the U.S. is $84,290 as of 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage is $96,980, which breaks down to roughly $41 per hour. Most earn between $49,930 (10th percentile) and $160,140 (90th percentile), so high earners can exceed most professor averages.
How much Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary earn
Salary varies widely by institution type, years of experience, and geography. Those at research universities with tenure track positions often land above the median, while community college instructors or adjuncts may fall in the lower half. The field employs about 11,850 people nationwide.
- National median: $84,290 per year
- Mean: $96,980 (around $41/hour)
- 10th percentile: $49,930
- 90th percentile: $160,140
Pay by state
Geography is a major factor. The highest-paying states for Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary are California ($127,680), Delaware ($123,710), New Hampshire ($112,890), District of Columbia ($103,160), and Michigan ($102,870). At the other end, Florida ($63,470), Arkansas ($62,390), and Kentucky ($61,260) offer significantly lower pay. Consider cost of living: California's high salaries may be offset by expensive housing, while lower-paid states might go further.
How to become Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Becoming a postsecondary sociology teacher typically requires a doctoral degree in sociology or a closely related field. A master's degree may suffice for community college positions, but four-year universities almost always demand a PhD. Along the way, you will need to accumulate teaching experience, usually as a graduate teaching assistant, and develop a research portfolio.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in sociology or a related social science.
- Complete a master's degree in sociology (often part of a PhD track).
- Obtain a PhD in sociology—expect 5–7 years of graduate study including a dissertation.
- Gain teaching experience as a TA or instructor during grad school.
- Publish research in academic journals and present at conferences.
- Apply for tenure-track positions; many start as assistant professors.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment growth of 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 1,100 new job openings per year over the decade, largely due to retirements and turnover. Competition for tenure-track roles remains strong, especially at research universities, while community colleges may offer more entry points.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary?
The 10th percentile salary is about $49,930, so entry-level positions (often assistant professors at less competitive schools) may start around that figure. Adjuncts typically earn per course and can make much less.
Do Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary need a PhD?
Yes, for most university tenure-track roles. Community colleges usually require a master's degree in sociology. Some junior colleges may accept a master's with strong teaching credentials.
What is the job growth for Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary?
Projected growth is 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, or about 1,100 openings per year. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary data.