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Research Scientist, Social Scientist, Professor, Researcher
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Sociologists use various theories to research important questions about society. Examples include functionalist, feminist, post-modernist, or conflict theories. Their research methods include historical studies, surveys, interviews, experiments, document analyses, quantitative data analyses, and observational studies. They use these to examine:
In general, sociologists conduct studies, write reports and scholarly papers, and give presentations. They explain their field to different audiences to ensure the wider community has access to their research and knowledge. They also:
Sociologists spend much of their time in offices, classrooms, libraries, and computer laboratories, as well as locations they are studying. They spend many hours reading, analyzing data, and writing reports. They also may teach or give public presentations relating to their work.
Sociologists often travel to gather information in the field, attend conferences, or collaborate with colleagues on projects. Some may find their skills suited to work in the community. For example, they may train community members or help develop community knowledge.
Sociologists may visit a variety of settings. These may include workplaces, childcare centres, or busy downtown street corners. They also may include sports arenas, low-income housing complexes, ethnic communities, health-care institutions, or penitentiaries. With adequate education and qualifications, they may work in a classroom setting at a university or college.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to devise methods of collecting and analyzing data; and to interpret data and correlate findings with other research in the field of sociology and related fields
Interest in consulting with governments and other organizations to report findings and bring forward recommendations; may teach sociology at advanced educational levels
Interest in organizing data into forms suitable for application by governments and other organizations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Sociologists need:
They should enjoy organizing and integrating information to solve problems in innovative ways. They should be comfortable consulting with people.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Dec 06, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 8 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 6 |
| Tasks: Perform administrative tasks | 6 |
| Type of Related Experience: Qualitative research | 5 |
| Type of Related Experience: Quantitative research | 5 |
| Construction Specialization: Interpersonal awareness | 5 |
In general, the basic education requirement to work as a sociologist is a master’s or doctoral degree in sociology. The entrance requirement for master’s and doctoral degree programs is above-average standing in the last 2 years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree program, preferably an honours program.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Sociologists work for:
A doctoral degree is most often required to teach and conduct research at the post-secondary level. Some sociologists are self-employed consultants who work on a contract basis for private industry and government departments.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c.
2016 NOC: 4169
80.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary widely in this field. Factors include the employer, the responsibilities of the position, and the sociologist’s qualifications.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.00 | $42.06 | $32.76 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $23.25 | $55.54 | $44.68 | $43.11 |
| Top | $25.00 | $80.04 | $54.73 | $50.69 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $82,211 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $74,555 |
| Public Administration | $105,776 |
Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) website: www.csa-scs.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
