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Job outlook for field researchers in the United States
Field researcher job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected field researcher job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 700 new jobs for field researchers are projected over the next decade.
Field researcher salaries have increased 10% for field researchers in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,014 field researchers currently employed in the United States.
There are 49,321 active field researcher job openings in the US.
The average field researcher salary is $25,347.
Are field researcher jobs in demand?
Field researcher job and salary trends over time
Field researcher jobs over time
Field researcher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,014 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,694 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,503 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,302 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,111 | 0.00% |
Average field researcher salary over time
Field researcher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $25,347 | $12.19 | +1.2% |
| 2024 | $25,051 | $12.04 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $24,428 | $11.74 | +6.3% |
| 2022 | $22,976 | $11.05 | --0.4% |
| 2021 | $23,061 | $11.09 | +1.0% |
Field researcher jobs by state
Most common states for field researchers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 136 | 20% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 116 | 15% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 141 | 11% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 113 | 11% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 66 | 11% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 61 | 11% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 679 | 10% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 138 | 10% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 479 | 9% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 477 | 9% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 377 | 9% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 84 | 9% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 676 | 8% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 565 | 8% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 251 | 8% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,668 | 7% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 423 | 7% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 218 | 7% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 155 | 7% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 118 | 7% |
Most common cities for field researchers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $32,475 |
| 2 | Saint Louis | 1 | 0% | $25,693 |
Field Researcher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of field researcher experts
Montclair State University
Michigan State University
Augustana College
Tennessee State University
Morgan State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
King's College
Skidmore College
Texas A&M International University
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Saint Cloud State University
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Sara Moore Ph.D.: I often find that graduating students are looking for a long-term career right after graduation, but in a field like sociology, people often explore different career paths before settling on one. I've seen our students start off in non-profit work only to end up in policy work or start off in criminal justice but end up in mental health counseling. What's important for sociology graduates to remember is that what sets them apart is the tools they've developed to understand how social forces shape people's lived experiences. That unique perspective can yield incredible insights into people's motivations, but also how social institutions can be changed to better meet the needs of more people. These insights are useful across many professions, including healthcare, education, public policy, management, and advocacy among others.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Moore Ph.D.: Sociology is a discipline that helps students develop important critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Regardless of what career path they end up on, their ability to see the connections between individuals and society and recognize how complicated and nuanced those connections are, can help them think through various social and interpersonal issues in meaningful ways. For example, I recently gave a reference for a student who earned an undergraduate degree in sociology and a graduate degree in counseling. During my conversation with the hiring manager, he told me that what set this candidate apart was her background in sociology. He shared that many applicants had a degree in psychology, and while that degree is certainly useful, this candidate's deep understanding of how social institutions reproduce social inequalities and directly affect people's mental health and wellbeing really helped her rise above the others. Sociology graduates' ability to understand and articulate those social and cultural contexts is incredibly valuable across fields. Moreover, most sociology graduates have a strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative research design and data analysis, which are skills they can apply across an array of fields and is especially important in a political and cultural moment where an understanding of science is so paramount.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Sara Moore Ph.D.: Don't be afraid to apply for a job that isn't a perfect match! There's no "sociologist" job title out in the world like there is "teacher" or "nurse," which can make applicants question whether a particular position is really right for them. Remember that when you search for positions, spend some time considering the broad knowledge base and skillset you developed in studying sociology and embrace the unique perspective sociology has given you.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jason Konefal: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as data analysis, digital literacy, cultural competence, and adaptability will become more important and prevalent in the Sociology field.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Jason Konefal: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Sociology, individuals should focus on gaining specialized skills, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, seeking opportunities for advancement, and negotiating salary based on market research and expertise.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
David Broad: There has never been a greater need for organizations to be informed by sociological insights.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Broad: People educated in sociology at all degree levels can derive great satisfaction from advising organizations on the effective use of their resources. Many sociologically educated express frustration with social forces such as excessive greed and the arrogance of power.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
David Broad: The bachelor's degree in sociology provides a liberal arts education that prepares those who earn it with a variety of cognitive and research skills applicable to many professional fields. What a person so equipped does on a daily basis could include working with clients of a helping agency, researching for a government or non-governmental organization, or guiding any institution with better understanding of human social behavior.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Tanesha Thomas PhD: Sociologists are researchers that study various aspects of society and human behavior. As researchers, sociologists use skills including interviews, historical analysis and statistics to better understand various aspects of society. Civil rights, income inequality, and climate change are examples of human behavior that sociologists are interested in. Most people know that sociologists work in academic institutions, like colleges and universities. In these careers sociologists engage in research as well as teaching students. Sociological research also takes place at non-governmental organizations like research centers, think tanks and policy institutes. These institutions use research to write legislation and policy proposals related to social, cultural and political issues for interest groups. Many people are not aware that there are a variety of careers outside of research and education that utilize the sociology degree. People with sociology degrees are prepared to enter careers in law, politics, social/public service, journalism, marketing and business, to name a few. These jobs utilize other valuable aspects of a sociology degree including research and writing skills, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem solving.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tanesha Thomas PhD: In addition to the career options mentioned above, a degree in sociology prepares students for modern careers such as data analytics. Data analysts, data scientists and data engineers are in high demand across a variety of industries around the world. Businesses and other organizations are increasingly using data to give them better insight into their practices and shape strategies. Data analysis uses the latest technological tools to identify patterns and inform decision making. Sociologists with careers in data analytics can work in healthcare, education, advertising, consulting and a variety of other businesses.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Tanesha Thomas PhD: At Montclair State University, students enjoy that sociology courses are practical, interesting and downright fun. A degree in sociology includes taking courses on culturally and socially relevant topics such as race and ethnicity; social movements; gender and sexuality; religious diversity; environmental sustainability; health and illness, among others. Sociologists enjoy learning about issues that affect their lives and the lives of others. People encounter issues everyday that make use of the knowledge one gains from sociology. One of the things that people dislike about being a sociologist is the misconception that sociology is not useful and or practical. While the title 'sociologist' may be reserved for academics and researchers, there are many careers where an education in sociology is very important.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Sai Sato Mumm: Contributing to Social Change: Many sociologists are passionate about addressing social issues and inequalities. They appreciate the chance to conduct research that can inform policy decisions, advocate for marginalized groups, and contribute to creating more just and equitable societies.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Sociologists value the opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives with colleagues from different disciplines, which enriches their work.
Flexibility and Versatility: Sociology offers a wide range of career paths, allowing individuals to pursue roles in academia, research institutes, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Sociologists appreciate the flexibility to apply their skills and knowledge in various settings.
Intellectual Stimulation: Sociology provides intellectual stimulation through critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. Sociologists enjoy the challenge of exploring complex social phenomena and developing theories to explain them.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sai Sato Mumm: Understanding Society: In an era marked by rapid social change, understanding the dynamics of society becomes increasingly important. Sociology provides valuable insights into human behavior, social structures, and cultural phenomena, which are essential for navigating today's complex world.
Social Issues: Sociologists play a crucial role in addressing pressing social issues such as inequality, poverty, discrimination, crime, and environmental degradation. By studying these issues, sociologists can contribute to creating more just and equitable societies.
Interdisciplinary Nature: Sociology intersects with various disciplines such as psychology, economics, anthropology, political science, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach allows sociologists to tackle complex problems from multiple perspectives, fostering innovative solutions.
Data Analysis Skills: With the advent of big data and advanced statistical techniques, sociologists are equipped with the tools to analyze large datasets and derive meaningful conclusions.
Career Opportunities: Sociology graduates are versatile and can pursue diverse career paths. They can work in research, education, policy analysis, social work, community development, market research, human resources, and advocacy, among other fields.
Global Perspective: Sociology offers a global perspective on social issues, enabling professionals to work across cultural boundaries and address challenges on a global scale.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Sai Sato Mumm: Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Teach sociology.
Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Present research findings at professional meetings.
Explain sociological research to the general public.
Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
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.
Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
Write grants to obtain funding for research projects.
Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
Dr. Sarah Prior Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology, Director of the Bailey Scholars ProgramMichigan State University
Sociology
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Dr. Sarah Prior Ph.D.: The best way to maximize salary potential in any field is to advocate for yourself, seek opportunities for growth, and recognize when changes need to be made.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Sarah Prior Ph.D.: Sociologists are well prepared for the rapidly changing world. They have skill sets that can be used in a variety of fields including data analysis, human resources, non-profit work, social services, education, among many others. Sociologists are uniquely able to be both disciplinary and also have an interdisciplinary perspective, one that emphasizes empathy, diversity, and cultural competence.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Sarah Prior Ph.D.: I would encourage recent graduates to seek opportunities to demonstrate their diverse skill set and to seek opportunities for additional growth and development.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Dr. Paul Croll Ph.D.: Look for ways to apply what you have learned in your first jobs after graduating. Our majors learn a lot of valuable skills as well as competencies to help them understand and relate to others. There are often are opportunities to use these skills as you start your career. Build on what you have learned!
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Paul Croll Ph.D.: Look for opportunities that leverage your strengths. Tell potential employers what you have learned and why you can help them succeed. The best way to maximize your salary is to succeed in your job and look for opportunities to advance in your field.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Paul Croll Ph.D.: Critical thinking and initiative are important and will continue to be prevalent in the coming years. A degree in Sociology and Anthropology challenges students to think critically about their world and life experiences. This can be invaluable in any field after graduation.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Oscar Miller Ph.D.: Master the sociology competencies, participate in available research projects and publications, intern with relevant organizations, research workplace promotion opportunities, and find a mentor in your field/work organization.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Oscar Miller Ph.D.: Graduates should realize that almost every organization has positions that require sociological skills, learn how to communicate how those skills translate to the workplace, set career goals, and continue to develop and adapt those skills throughout one’s career.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Oscar Miller Ph.D.: Sociology majors are skilled in understanding social behavior and in developing, organizing, and critically analyzing large amounts of information, drawing evidence-based conclusions, and effectively communicating conclusions for strategic planning, program/project evaluation and improvement, and organization decision-making. Research and analytical skills will remain important over the next 3-5 years with a growing focus on inter-group and international relations.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Michael Rosenfeld: Young people starting out in the labor market need to be willing to work hard, they need to be willing to learn, and they need to be ready to put in some social and emotional labor to build personal connections so that they can find new opportunities and grow. I should add that Sociology majors go into all kinds of fields: law, education, finance, marketing, non-profit work, social activism, technology, real estate and more. There is no single pathway forward so Sociology majors are trained to be flexible and to have the skills to adapt to any new situation.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Rosenfeld: Ability to analyze and understand data has always been important and will be more important in the future. Also important are the ability read and learn, and the ability to write and communicate so that the young person’s ideas can find an audience within the organization and potentially have influence. If young people want to lead, they need to be able to communicate ideas to all kinds of stake holders and groups.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Michael Rosenfeld: Knowledge is power. Young people starting out should know what others in their field are earning, so they can ask for a commensurate salary. One way to know what others are earning is to have a well-developed network of friends and contacts who are in the same field, and to ask them honest questions. People who build their personal networks and nurture them end up being more informed.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marcella Gemelli Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Sociology, it is essential to showcase a strong background in education, a keen interest in technology, the ability to design innovative learning experiences, apply sociological insights to enhance organizational effectiveness, display high emotional intelligence, and have strong writing, communication, and presentation skills.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Marcella Gemelli Ph.D.: Graduating with an undergraduate degree in Sociology is exciting. I am a dedicated sociologist with a Ph.D. and a passion for fostering learning and development within organizations. With a strong background in education and a keen interest in technology, I excel in designing innovative learning experiences and applying sociological insights to enhance organizational effectiveness. I am an approachable team member who listens with empathy and displays high emotional intelligence. Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Michelle Edwards Ph.D.: While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts future job growth for sociologists, not all people who study sociology become “sociologists” (as defined by the BLS). As a sociology professor, I am dedicated to helping students develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, cultural awareness, interpersonal communication, and data literacy. These are some of the same skills predicted to be critical for future jobs.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michelle Edwards Ph.D.: People with sociology degrees go into a wide variety of jobs in fields such as education and research, non-profit and social service work, government, human resources, health care, business and marketing, and criminal justice. As a result, what sociologists do on a day-to-day basis also varies. If you are entering the field as a sociologist, it might be more helpful to consider the roles and responsibilities of a particular job (e.g., data analyst, human resources representative, urban planner).
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Michelle Edwards Ph.D.: I think many people are drawn to the field of sociology because it helps to explain the world around them. I tell my students that everyone can find something that interests them in our field. However, hearing others’ perspectives on social issues, especially when they differ from our own perspectives, can be challenging. It can also be frustrating to frequently think about the social and environmental problems we face. For me, the best part of being a sociologist is engaging with curious and thoughtful students. I am very thankful to be in this field.
Laura Napolitano PhD
Chair - Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Associate Professor of SociologyWhat general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Laura Napolitano PhD: Look broadly and don’t minimize or underestimate your skills. Sociology graduates have critical thinking and analysis skills that are highly sought after by employers. Have you ever done a literature review on a sociological topic? Then you have experience synthesizing and summarizing data. Do not be afraid to use those examples to fit the job description.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laura Napolitano PhD: Do your homework! Know the salary range of comparable positions both within the organization you are interviewing with and across other organizations so you have a realistic sense of what your salary should be. It can be daunting but if you have done your research, ask for what you deserve. It is a negotiation and you need to advocate for yourself.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Laura Napolitano PhD: Data analysis continues to be important and will be for the foreseeable future. Whether it is qualitative or quantitative, the ability to analyze data is crucial and sociology majors have this in spades. It will also continue to be important to be able to sift through information and misinformation and identify what is real and what is just “noise.” The data analysis and research skills you developed in the classroom will continue to be beneficial in these tasks.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Larry Liu: As sociology majors, our students know that the statistical salaries are lower than in technical and STEM fields. But I am convinced that as AI gets better, the liberal arts skills become much more valuable because the technical skills are more automatable. Students are advised to look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational handbook and online services like Glassdoor, where they can get an insight into the salary profile of jobs and position their resume, networking and applications accordingly. However, it is also important for students to know that in the long term passion for one's career is more important than short-term earning potential, because if you are unhappy with your current line of work no amount of money can compensate you for it and burnout is likely.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Larry Liu: Even while being a student, they are advised to think about what they want to do for a living. I refer them to the career advising office. It also helps to have done internships with companies over the summer, so they can receive a job offer with that company upon graduation. We provide students with information about hiring and career fairs that are done by nonprofits, companies and government agencies. Most of the material that is learned in college is not directly used in the industry, but college teaches you independence, creativity and the ability to learn skills on your own, which is all the more important when AI is everywhere. Many of our students are successfully accommodated in law enforcement, education, nonprofits, government agencies, among others.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Larry Liu: In the sociology field, we equip our students with deep theoretical knowledge, analytical skills to dissect newspaper stories, parse statistics and conduct statistical analysis themselves. They are also taught how to listen and observe people, interview them and collect qualitative data. More recently, our field has expanded to involve computational social science: we are using AI tools to help us conduct statistical and textual analysis. As AI continues to get better, it is still important to use uniquely human skills that are qualitative: coming up with research questions, observing and interacting with people and telling stories. These liberal arts skills are going to become more valuable, as AI gets better and takes on many tedious and analytical tasks.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Joseph Marolla: If I had to guess it would be skills connected to the internet as well as soft skills in areas of problem solving and critical thinking. A sociology major must be able to understand and use data to support a position within any organization. There are hundreds if not thousands of data collection institutions and the ability to analyze, summarize, and use that data will be critical in the future. Most important will be the ability to select and determine what is accurate and what is fabricated. Good sociology departments will be honing those skills.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Marolla: Maximizing salary potential is always about being better than average in your field. Anyone can do data collection. But the ability to summarize, categorize, and simplify the major points for higher administrators is critical. Of course communication skills, writing skills, and leadership skills will lead to being placed in higher positions of authority which can lead to higher salaries.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Joseph Marolla: I would advise students to think about their skills that have developed over the sociology major. If they want a job in the field they will have to continue their education in sociology and possibly in a particular content area (medical sociology, criminal justice, even sport management). The skills are what is important and there are plenty of employers looking for problem solvers, critical thinkers, research skills, internet expertise etc.
Jinette Comeau
King's College
Sociology
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Jinette Comeau: Please let me know if you have any further questions.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jinette Comeau: I’ve attached an infographic we created here at King’s to showcase career paths for Sociology majors.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Jinette Comeau: I’m not a professor so I will let Dr. Fairbairn respond to your questions for the faculty perspective (you can also find a list of all our Sociology faculty here). Also, not sure if you are aware of the group Applied Worldwide, but they are actively working to demonstrate applications of Sociology in diverse career fields.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Dr. John Brueggemann Ph.D.: People who find people interesting often appreciate sociology. Personally, I find people endlessly fascinating. There is nothing I love so much as sitting on a bench in a park or in an airport and watching people go by, pondering where they came from and where they are going. I also enjoy studying the research to see what analytical data has to say about what is really going on. Sociology contradicts the narrative in our culture – a kind of dominant story – that suggests that each person is a self-made outcome: elites are on top because they embody special merit, poor people face scarcity because of their own limitations. Sociology confronts that narrative head-on and shows how most things are more complicated than they look. Being countercultural, as our discipline has been throughout American history, is a kind of strength. It helps us question taken-for-granted conclusions, groupthink, and easy consensus. We can easily count numerous examples of how norms in the past were later understood to be problematic. Many thought slavery was not only acceptable but reflected some natural order; a six-day work week without any safety precautions was a reasonable way to do business; only men had the right and capability to vote; computers and robots were considered more fiction than science, etc., etc., etc. On our best days, sociology uncovers the dynamics of today’s norms that we take for granted. Being countercultural this way has drawbacks, though. There are always people skeptical of sociological findings. For instance, it’s not easy for a whole society to take responsibility for gun violence or systemic poverty. A quick review of practices in other nations, though, shows how things in the United States could be otherwise. Dealing with willful ignorance, hostility, and pushback is not always easy for sociologists. Another kind of persistently frustrating aspect of sociology is recognizing that just as many problems are more complicated than they seem, genuine solutions are sometimes difficult to identify. Some students get impatient when our analyses reveal problems without pointing towards solutions.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. John Brueggemann Ph.D.: Sociology is like other liberal arts disciplines. It aspires to help students learn habits of the mind, critical thinking skills, and independent thought. Undergraduate education in sociology, at least at a liberal arts college like Skidmore, involves significant amounts of reading and writing, and some level of familiarity with computational skills – capacities that are valuable for certain employers, civil society, and functional democracy. The world is more connected than ever, as market dynamics, pandemics, and various military and political conflicts demonstrate on a daily basis. There has never been a more important moment for understanding how nations, societies, cultures, organizations, and other systems are entangled with one another. Sociology is uniquely equipped for illuminating these phenomena. This is a time of rapid social change (e.g., generative artificial intelligence), social conflict (e.g., geopolitical, domestic polarization), and strategic deployment and manipulation of information (e.g., surveillance, conventional media, social media). That means that thinking critically through a sociological lens is urgently important in addressing most any important problem in the world. Extreme weather events or pandemics clearly involve factors that fall under the purview of the natural sciences. But how such challenges begin to develop in the first place and how they are understood and addressed are definitely problems that sociology can help deal with.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dr. John Brueggemann Ph.D.: The American Sociological Association reports that college graduates with degrees in sociology cluster in jobs in social services, counseling, clinical psychology, social science, and research. A number of our graduates have gone into teaching, social work, public health, applied social scientific research, politics, and work in non-profits, among other professional destinations. Practicing sociologists are mostly located in the academy. So, they spend most of their time teaching, conducting research, or doing different kinds of service (e.g., committee work for their employer, reviewing journal article manuscripts, volunteering in professional societies). Some institutions require sociologists to teach up to five classes a semester, which makes it hard to get much research done. Others require a class or two per semester, which is usually combined with an expectation for significant scholarly productivity. Some sociologists carry out research in applied settings. This could be in a non-profit organization, government, the CDC, or a think tank, for example.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Ivis Garcia: Skills that are likely to become increasingly important in the next 3-5 years include data analytics proficiency, as sociological research is becoming more data-driven. Also, soft skills like cultural competency and ethical reasoning will be invaluable given the global and diverse nature of contemporary social issues.
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ivis Garcia: My general advice for graduates beginning their career in the field is to stay curious and open to learning. The field of sociology is vast and ever-evolving, so embracing a mindset of continuous education can set the foundation for a rewarding career. Networking is also key – connect with professionals, join relevant associations, and attend conferences to stay updated and visible in the field.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Ivis Garcia: To maximize salary potential early in your career, focus on specialization. Gaining expertise in a niche and technical area of sociology can make you a sought-after professional. Also, developing strong research and grant-writing skills can open up opportunities for funded projects, which can boost your career trajectory and salary.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Heather O'Connell: 1. Keep an open mind about the kind of jobs for which you will apply. Sociology is a wonderfully broadly relevant field and can be an asset in areas that you might not traditionally consider.
What general advice would you give to a Field Researcher?
Liz Stygar: I've been a sociology educator for over 15 years, and I have never heard anyone say they 'don't like x about being a sociologist.' I am a sociologist and I will say, the thing I dislike most about my job as an educator is grading, but that's certainly not discipline specific. I try to be varied in my assessment techniques so it's more beneficial to students and less monotonous for me. Most students who come across sociology wish they found it sooner so they could major in it! Of those who choose sociology as their major, they report to me loving it! Sometimes, young people especially, can get frustrated that social change and bureaucracy are slow. The passion to solving social problems is real, it's out there, and sociology can help you see the ways in which you can be involved in the upcoming inevitable social changes!
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Liz Stygar: The scientific study of society is not only fascinating, but important right now during our culturally divisive realities. Sociology students learn critical thinking skills necessary to explore the 'why' various structures and identities exist today as they do. Professionals who have a sociological background use their skills to make change toward more equitable workplaces, communities, regions, and beyond! More and more employers are emphasizing it does not necessarily matter what the major is, but the skills you gather while earning a 4+ year degree. All students, regardless of major, need to be professionalizing their resumes - get involved, be a leader of a student organization, and volunteer.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Liz Stygar: Most sociology majors do not go on to 'be a sociologist' rather, they practice the skills they learned in sociology classes (i.e. critical thinking, embracing diverse ideas, learning how/why aspects of society came to be). To 'be a sociologist' in your job typically involved teaching and/or research jobs. Many of our sociology majors have gone on to participate in a variety of work. Some examples of occupations are, but not limited to: Human Resources, union organizers, diversity directors, policy researchers, educators, and many roles within the nonprofit sector. The day-to-day varies greatly. That's the benefit! More introverted people may choose to do research at nonprofit organizations, numbers-people can crunch statistics, extroverted people can be volunteer coordinators, development directors, etc. That's what's exciting about majoring in sociology, you can take the classes you want, get the mentorship you deserve, and them gather up the professional skills and extracurricular skills that can make your resume outstanding!
What Field Researcher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elizabeth Scheel-Keita: The core skills of any sociology major are working with people in a supportive and unbiased way, oral and written communication, problem solving skills on multiple levels (individual, organizational, and societal), critical thinking about social issues and solutions to social problems, data interpretation, and pattern recognition (seeing connections between different social problems/issues.
What will help Field Researchers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth Scheel-Keita: Generally, I suggest students think about this early in their education so they can have some work experience in the field before they even graduate. But the best advice I can give students is that even if they do not find a job in the field right away, they should stay current in the field by volunteering, doing internships, working with the population they want to serve in some other capacity, etc. Then, once in the field, attend any trainings you can, keep track of those you meet in the field so you can network effectively, keep your eyes out for new opportunities as promotions might be hard in some organizations, but when you move between organizations you can apply for higher positions rather than just lateral moves. Keep track of projects they've worked on, leadership roles they've taken and keep their resume up to date at all times because you never know when you will need it.