Career comparison
Sociologist vs. Sociology Professor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Sociologists earn more at the median ($106,030 vs. $84,290), while sociologists usually get to work faster (2–6 years after a bachelor’s of training). Sociologists study how groups, institutions and societies shape people’s lives. Sociology professors teach how societies, groups and institutions shape people’s lives.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Sociologist | Sociology Professor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $106,030 ($50.98/hr) | $84,290 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $65,160 – $172,550 | $49,930 – $160,140 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.8% (about as fast as average) | +2.2% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 200 | 1,000 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 2–6 years after a bachelor’s | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s |
| Key credential | Master’s or Ph.D. | Ph.D. in sociology |
| Work setting | Sociologists work in offices for research firms, government and nonprofits.. | Faculty work in classrooms, offices and communities where they conduct research.. |
What each job does
Sociologist
- Design studies
- Collect data
- Analyze data
- Write reports
- Present findings
Sociology Professor
- Teach sociology courses
- Teach research methods
- Conduct surveys and interviews
- Analyze social data
- Publish research
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with information, desk work, helping others, and working independently. They sit in different fields, science, engineering & lab and education & childcare, but share transferable skills such as curiosity and facilitation.
Which should you choose?
Choose sociologist if…
- I’m curious about society
- I like research
- I like data and interviews
Choose sociology professor if…
- I’m curious about society
- I like data and interviews
- I enjoy discussion
Still torn? Take the Sociologist fit quiz and the Sociology Professor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, sociologist or sociology professor?
Sociologists earn more at the median: $106,030 versus $84,290 for sociology professors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Sociologists typically train faster (2–6 years after a bachelor’s) than sociology professors (5–7 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects sociologists to grow +3.8% from 2025–35, compared with +2.2% for sociology professors.