Sociologist Salary in Washington (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$97,170
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.72
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-8% vs US median
US median $106,030
State Rank
#8 of 11
130 employed here

How much does a Sociologist make in Washington?

Sociologists in Washington take home a median of $97,170 annually — roughly $46.72 an hour — which runs 8% below the national median of $106,030.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $80,640 while the top 10% make $138,000 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $97,170 and $104,440 a year.

Sociologist salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$80,640$38.77
25th percentile (early career)$97,170$46.72
50th percentile (median)$97,170$46.72
75th percentile (experienced)$104,440$50.21
90th percentile (top earners)$138,000$66.35

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 8th 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 Washington

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 Washington pay ($97,170) 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 Washington?
The median Sociologist salary in Washington is $97,170 per year, or about $46.72 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $80,640 at the entry level to $138,000 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Sociologists about 8% less than the national median of $106,030. Washington ranks 8th out of 11 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Sociologists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $97,170 a year. About 130 Sociologists are employed in Washington. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), 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.