Applied Sociologist

Also called: Clinical Sociologist, Sociological Practitioner

Uses sociology research skills outside academia to help nonprofits, hospitals, and governments solve social problems.

A day in the life

An applied sociologist evaluates a homelessness program, surveys residents about neighborhood safety, and writes recommendations for city leaders.

Pay over a career

Starting
$50k
Typical
$72k
High
$110k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in sociology or applied social research.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.

Majors to look at: Sociology.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 19-3041: Average (3% to 4%).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. AI helps analyze surveys and write reports; fieldwork with residents and practical advice stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Statistics, AP Psychology, AP Government.

Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3041.

More Sociology & Anthropology careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.