Occupation Profile

Sociologists

(SOC Code : 19-3041)

in California

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Employers are usually looking for candidates with a Master's degree .

Occupational Wages

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Area	Year	Period	Hourly Mean	Hourly by Percentile
				25th	Median	75th
California	2012	1st Qtr	$38.89	$30.89	$35.98	$44.46

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Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand")

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Projections for this occupation in California are not available.

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Job Openings from JobCentral National Labor Exchange

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Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List)

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Industry Title

Number of Employers in State of California

Percent of Total
Employment for Occupation in State of California

Scientific Research and Development Svc

5,742

29.8%

About Staffing Patterns

Training Programs (click on title for more information)

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Program Title

Criminology

Demography and Population Studies

Sociology

Urban Studies/Affairs

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About This Occupation (from O*NET - The Occupation Information Network)

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Top Tasks (Specific duties and responsibilities of this job.)

Analyze and interpret data in order to increase the understanding of human social behavior.

Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.

Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.

Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.

Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.

Teach sociology.

Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.

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.

Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.

Develop approaches to the solution of groups` problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.

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Top Skills used in this Job

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others` reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

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Top Abilities (Attributes of the person that influence performance in this job.)

Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Top Work Values (Aspects of this job that create satisfaction.)

Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions.

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Top Interests (The types of activities someone in this job would like.)

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

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