Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET 25-1067.00 · SOC 25-1067
Sociology Teacher is a solid career choice. Median pay is $84k a year with +2.2% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 1,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Teach courses on social stratification, deviance, and institutions
- →Assign students to conduct interviews or community observation projects
- →Lead class discussions analyzing sociological research and theory
- →Mentor graduate students designing quantitative or qualitative studies
- →Publish research on inequality, family structures, or social movements
Education & How to Get In
Sociology Teacher roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Sociology Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Sociology Teacher?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Sociology Teacher Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·33% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Sociology Teacher make?
The median Sociology Teacher earns $84k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Sociology Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Sociology Teacher at 23 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 33% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Sociology Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 1,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Sociology Teacher?
Sociology Teacher roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Sociology Teacher?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Sociology Teacher career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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