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College Instructor - Sociology Salary in the United States

How much does a College Instructor - Sociology make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Sociology in the United States is $56,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a College Instructor - Sociology's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,419
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,200 to $64,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,190

Key Factors That Influence College Instructor - Sociology Salaries

A College Instructor - Sociology's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do College Instructor - Sociology Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Instructor - Sociologies. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $63,000.
  • California: $62,700.
  • Massachusetts: $61,900.

Top Paying Cities for College Instructor - Sociologies

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $71,700
  • San Francisco: $71,000
  • Oakland: $69,500

What Skills Can Increase a College Instructor - Sociology's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.82% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Spring (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.
  • Safety Standards (Mentioned in 1.43% Job Postings): Safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of products, activities and processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.82%
Spring 1.97%
Safety Standards 1.43%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a College Instructor - Sociology's salary.

  • Patient Care: Can increase your salary by up to 109%.
  • Computer Science: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Programming: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Patient Care $118,921
109%
Computer Science $65,435
15%
Programming $63,159
11%

College Instructor - Sociology Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Instructor - Sociology salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,733. While startup companies pay approximate $50,198.

College Instructor - Sociology Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,198
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,963
Established 501~5000 $56,844
Enterprise 5000+ $58,733

College Instructor - Sociology Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For College Instructor - Sociology roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, College Instructor - Sociology positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view College Instructor - Sociology as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a College Instructor - Sociology

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government$68,280$33.020%

How Education impacts a College Instructor - Sociology's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Sociologies enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Instructor - Sociology with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,922 and $59,418).

College Instructor - Sociology Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Instructor - Sociology
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 75.0%
High School 25.0%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 75.0%
Doctorate 25.0%

College Instructor - Sociology Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Instructor - Sociology's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$49,200
Average $56,900/year
$64,500
$4,100
Average $4,742/month
$5,375
$946
Average $1,094/week
$1,240
$24
Average $27/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,500 $5,375 $1,240 $31
Average $56,900 $4,742 $1,094 $27
25th Percentile $49,200 $4,100 $946 $24

College Instructor - Sociology Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - Sociology, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

College Instructor - Sociology Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 27%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 25%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,300 69%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,500 59%

Most common benefits for College Instructor - Sociology

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for College Instructor - Sociology

Here are companies hiring for College Instructor - Sociology and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about College Instructor - Sociology

1. What industry pays the highest salary for College Instructor - Sociology?

The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for College Instructor - Sociology roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Do college professors get paid well?

College professors, particularly in sociology, have a salary range that varies significantly. The minimum salary is approximately $44,900, while the mid-range salary is around $57,500, and the maximum can reach up to $73,900. This indicates that, depending on experience and location, college instructors can earn a competitive salary.

3. How much do sociology professors make in California?

Sociology professors in California can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $44,900 to a maximum of $73,900, with a mid-range salary of $57,500. While some top earners may make significantly more, these figures provide a general overview of the salary landscape for this profession in the state.

4. How much does a college professor make teaching one class?

A college instructor in sociology typically earns between $44,900 and $73,900 annually, with a mid-salary of $57,500. If teaching one class, this translates to approximately $3,742 to $6,158 per course, depending on their salary level. Note that adjuncts often do not receive healthcare or other benefits.

5. Do you need a PhD to be an adjunct professor?

Many four-year colleges and universities typically require a PhD to qualify for an adjunct professor role, especially in fields like sociology. However, two-year community colleges often accept candidates with a master's degree. Salaries for sociology instructors range from $44,900 to $73,900, with a median salary of $57,500.

6. Is it worth it to get a PhD in sociology?

Pursuing a PhD in sociology can be worthwhile, as it opens doors to advanced roles such as sociologist, social care worker, or college instructor. With salaries ranging from $44,900 to $73,900, a PhD can significantly enhance your earning potential and career opportunities compared to undergraduate and master's degrees.

7. Can professors make 200k a year?

Professors in fields such as law and business, especially at prestigious universities, can earn $200,000 or more annually. However, for a College Instructor in Sociology, salaries typically range from $44,900 to $73,900, with a mid-salary of $57,500. Thus, reaching $200,000 is unlikely in this discipline.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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