Sociologists
SOC Code: 19-3041
Sociologists carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $101,690 and +3.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 3,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Sociologists (SOC 19-3041) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 3,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $101,690, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Sociologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
- 2. Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
- 3. Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
- 4. Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- 5. Teach sociology.
- 6. Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
- 7. Present research findings at professional meetings.
- 8. Explain sociological research to the general public.
- 9. Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
- 10. Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Social Perceptiveness
- Instructing
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Sociology and Anthropology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- History and Archeology
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
- Psychology
- Philosophy and Theology
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Sociologists?
Sociologists has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Sociologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Sociologists is projected to grow by 3.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 3,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Sociologists?
Key skills for Sociologists include Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Sociologists earn?
The median annual wage for Sociologists is $101,690, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Sociologists?
The typical entry-level education for Sociologists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Sociologists?
Sociologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).