Average Sociologists Salary in Massachusetts
Sociologists in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $117,290, which is slightly below the national average of $121,070. This marginal difference is often influenced by the state's robust academic institutions and research centers, which create a specialized demand for sociological expertise, potentially driving higher compensation structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $117,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 600 Sociologists, Massachusetts exhibits a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 8.57. This high quotient suggests a strong, specialized demand for sociological roles within the state, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Sociologists in Massachusetts earns-3.1%below the national average.
$56.4
$2,256
$9,774
Sociologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Sociologists in Massachusetts have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased demand for data analysis, social research, and policy advising likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation in this specialized field.
Sociologists Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
The salary landscape for Sociologists in Massachusetts typically shows a clear progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start in the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive research or policy experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a significant earning potential increase throughout a career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $64,850 | $31.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $87,968 | $42.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $103,510 | $49.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $146,613 | $70.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $169,040 | $81.3 |
Detailed Sociologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$117,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,036
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
While the nominal salary of $117,290 appears substantial, it must be considered within the context of Massachusetts's high Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This means that the purchasing power of a Sociologist's salary in Massachusetts is considerably less than in a national average cost-of-living area, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
0.164
Per 1K Jobs
8.57
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 8.6x the national concentration of Sociologists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 8.57 for Sociologists in Massachusetts is exceptionally high, indicating that this profession is over 8.5 times more concentrated in the state than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where demand from specific industries or institutions drives this significant presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Sociologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Sociologists Salary | $117,910↑ 1% | 24 mi |
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sociologists make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Sociologists in Massachusetts is $117,290. This typically ranges from $64,850 for entry-level positions to $169,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 3.1% lower than the national median of $121,070.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Sociologists?
Yes, with caveats.Massachusetts offers a high average salary for Sociologists, but the elevated cost of living significantly impacts real disposable income. The strong concentration of roles suggests good opportunities, but financial well-being depends on managing higher expenses.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Sociologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH ($117,910) and others.
What is the average salary for a Sociologist in Massachusetts?
The average annual salary for a Sociologist in Massachusetts is $117,290.
How does the Massachusetts salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Massachusetts is slightly lower than the national average of $121,070.
What does the Location Quotient of 8.57 mean for Sociologists in Massachusetts?
A Location Quotient of 8.57 signifies that Sociologists are significantly more concentrated in Massachusetts than the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially robust job market for this profession within the state.
How does the cost of living affect a Sociologist's salary in Massachusetts?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, Massachusetts is considerably more expensive than the national average. This means that the $117,290 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower cost-of-living area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 0.164 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Sociologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Massachusetts