Sociologist Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Sociologists in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$126,760
per year
Hourly Rate
$60.94
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+20% vs US median
US median $106,030
State Rank
#3 of 11
170 employed here

How much does a Sociologist make in North Carolina?

Sociologists in North Carolina take home a median of $126,760 annually — roughly $60.94 an hour — which runs 20% above the national median of $106,030.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $69,980 while the top 10% make $212,260 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $82,300 and $169,940 a year.

Sociologist salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$69,980$33.64
25th percentile (early career)$82,300$39.57
50th percentile (median)$126,760$60.94
75th percentile (experienced)$169,940$81.70
90th percentile (top earners)$212,260$102.05

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 3rd out of 11 states and territories for Sociologist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Illinois$140,770
2Kentucky$136,870
3North Carolina$126,760
4California$125,770
5Alaska$108,170

Working as a Sociologist in North Carolina

Nationally, about 2,000 people work as Sociologists in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($126,760) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Sociologist make in North Carolina?
The median Sociologist salary in North Carolina is $126,760 per year, or about $60.94 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $69,980 at the entry level to $212,260 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Sociologists about 20% more than the national median of $106,030. North Carolina ranks 3rd out of 11 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Sociologists?
Yes on pay — North Carolina pays above the national median for this occupation, at $126,760 a year. About 170 Sociologists are employed in North Carolina. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Sociologist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.