upper level job

University Instructor - Sociology Salary in the United States

How much does an University Instructor - Sociology make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Instructor - Sociology in the United States is $56,850 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,484
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,170 to $64,510
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,178
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
AI-Powered HR
View as table View as graph 25% $49,170 10% $42,178 90% $71,484 75% $64,510 $56,850 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

University Instructor - Sociology Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $64,510 $5,376 $1,241 $31
Average $56,850 $4,738 $1,093 $27
25th Percentile $49,170 $4,098 $946 $24
Check out University Instructor - Sociology Job Openings in the United States
Chief AI Officer

Confidential - Columbus, OH

Associate Vice President Internal Communications

Confidential - Columbus, OH

Vice President Credit Risk Strategy&Data Science

Confidential - Columbus, OH

Regional Truck Driver Company

KreilKamp Trucking - Columbus, OH

Search More University Instructor - Sociology Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence University Instructor - Sociology Salaries

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

How Experience Level Affects University Instructor - Sociology Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an University Instructor - Sociology's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • University Instructor - Sociology (0-0 years): $56,849
  • College Assistant Professor - Sociology (0-0 years): $68,649
  • College Associate Professor - Sociology (0-0 years): $82,134
  • College Professor - Sociology (0-0 years): $106,606
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
University Instructor - Sociology0-0 years$56,849
College Assistant Professor - Sociology0-0 years$68,649
College Associate Professor - Sociology0-0 years$82,134
College Professor - Sociology0-0 years$106,606
$56,849 Universit...
$68,649 College A...
$82,134 College A...
$106,606 College P...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

How Do University 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 University Instructor - Sociologies. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $62,950.
  • California: $62,710.
  • Massachusetts: $61,870.

Top Paying Cities for University 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: $71,710
  • San Francisco: $70,920
  • Oakland: $69,430

What Skills Can Increase an University 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.
See More Skills
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 an University 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
$118,817
109%
Computer Science
$65,378
15%
Programming
$63,104
11%
LMS
$61,398
8%
Motivating
$60,830
7%
Analysis
$60,830
7%
Get Latest Data

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

University Instructor - Sociology salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,669. While startup companies pay approximate $50,131.

University Instructor - Sociology Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$50,131
Growth Stage51~500$52,892
Established501~5000$56,796
Enterprise5000+$58,669

University Instructor - Sociology Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For University 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, University Instructor - Sociology positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view University Instructor - Sociology as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an University Instructor - Sociology

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government$68,220$33.020%

How Education impacts an University Instructor - Sociology's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University 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 an University Instructor - Sociology with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,857 and $59,329).

University Instructor - Sociology Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University 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%
view as graph

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

Understanding how an University 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 August 01, 2026

University Instructor - Sociology Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an University 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.

University 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%

Salary Trends for University Instructor - Sociology

Salaries for an University 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 University Instructor - Sociology salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of University Instructor - Sociology Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,867
2024
$55,153
2025
$53,962
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,867
2024 $55,153
2025 $53,962
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for University Instructor - Sociology

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

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for University Instructor - Sociology

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

Find Your Next University Instructor - Sociology Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current University Instructor - Sociology job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Payments Engineering. About the Company. Globally-recognized provider of corporate payment solutions. Industry. Financial Services. Type. P... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Senior Vice President of Project Delivery. About the Company. A multi-billion-dollar construction organization with collaborative, servant-minded leadershi... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Chief of Staff. About the Company. Innovative travel platform for booking & managing work trips. Industry. Computer Software. Type. Privately Held, VC-back... more

    22 Days Ago

  • McDonalds

    Columbus, OH

    McDonalds | Columbus, OH

    McDonald’s is seeking Crew Team Members to assist with daily restaurant operations including customer service, food preparation, and maintaining restaurant... more

    29 Days Ago

  • Amazon Flex

    Columbus, OH

    Amazon Flex | Columbus, OH

    Amazon Flex Delivery Drivers use their own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages to customers on scheduled delivery blocks. Drivers are responsible for pickin... more

    29 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Commercial. About the Company. Globally-recognized manufacturer of packaging components & delivery systems for injectable drugs. Industry. ... more

    1 Month Ago

For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about University Instructor - Sociology

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

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

2. Are sociologists in demand?

Sociologists are in demand, with an average of 300 job openings projected annually over the next decade. This demand is driven by the need to replace workers transitioning to other fields or retiring. Salaries for university instructors in sociology range from $44,820 to $73,870, with a median salary of $57,490, reflecting the profession's value and opportunities.

3. What is the highest salary of a sociologist?

The highest salary for a University Instructor in Sociology is $73,870 per annum. For freshers, salaries typically range from $44,820 to $50,000, while experienced instructors can earn between $60,000 and $63,000.

4. What state pays sociologists the greatest salary?

The state that pays sociologists the highest salary is Massachusetts, with an annual mean wage of $134,080. In comparison, the salary range for university instructors in sociology is between $44,820 and $73,870, with a mid-salary of $57,490. This highlights the significant difference in earnings between academic positions and those in certain states.

5. How much a PhD professor earns in USA?

A PhD professor in the USA typically earns between $44,820 and $73,870 annually, with a mid-salary of $57,490. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and institution types, with top earners potentially making more in specialized fields or prestigious universities.

6. Who is the highest paid Professor in the USA?

The salary data for University Instructors in Sociology shows a minimum salary of $44,820, a mid-range salary of $57,490, and a maximum salary of $73,870. While specific names of the highest-paid professors in the U.S. vary, these figures provide a general idea of the earnings for instructors in this field.

7. What degree do you need to be a sociology professor?

To become a sociology professor, you typically need to earn a Ph.D. in Sociology, as this is often the minimum qualification for university-level teaching. Salaries for university instructors in this field range from approximately $44,820 to $73,870, with a median salary around $57,490, reflecting the importance of advanced education in securing a competitive position.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst