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:
College Instructor - Sociology Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 12.82% |
| Spring | 1.97% |
| Safety Standards | 1.43% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Care | $118,921 | |
| Computer Science | $65,435 | |
| Programming | $63,159 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Next Role
Advancement
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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a College Instructor - Sociology can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of College Instructor - Sociology salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for College Instructor - Sociology roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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