Science & ResearchCompare

Sociologist

O*NET: Sociologists·19-3041.00

The Verdict:Sociologists blend data analysis with fieldwork, theory-building, and policy advising on human behavior. AI processes statistics and drafts reports, but nuanced interpretation, in-person observations, interviews, and trusted consultations demand human adaptability. Teaching and collaboration further secure the role. AI augments productivity without displacement.

Resilience Score

/100

Moderate Risk

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$102k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+3.6%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 3 of 17 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

18%

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role has a mixed AI profile.
3 tasks are automatable, 35% reward AI fluency, and 8 remain human-essential.

3exposed

6AI leverage

8human-essential

View all 17 tasks

AI Can Handle This3 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.

Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.

Review sociological research and articles.

AI Leverage6 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.

Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.

Explain sociological research to the general public.

Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.

Write grants to obtain funding for research projects.

Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.

Human Advantage8 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.

Teach sociology.

Present research findings at professional meetings.

Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.

Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.

Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.

Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.

Mentor sociology students.

Resilience Landscape

Sociologist lands in Stable & Well-Paid

Higher Resilience Paths in Science & Research

Science & Research

Sociologist

Task Analysis

Resilience Landscape

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