Beyond preparing syllabi, homework, and handouts, professors lead and moderate class discussions, write and grade exams, and evaluate students' papers and assignments. Staying current in the field means reading ongoing literature, talking with colleagues, and attending professional conferences, and many sociology teachers also conduct their own research and publish findings in journals or books. The role is desk-based and moderately structured, requiring a PhD in the field.
Pros
High upside earning potential, up to $160k
Considerable independent judgment over curriculum, research, and publishing
Combines teaching with research, appealing to those who want both
Cons
Only about 1,100 positions nationwide, with slower than average growth (2.1%)
Requires a PhD, a long and competitive credentialing path
Above-average hours, often exceeding a standard 40-hour work week
A typical day
The 9am intro lecture covers social stratification for 120 students, half of whom will be emailed follow-up questions by dinner. A graduate seminar after lunch digs into research methods, with each student defending their thesis design. Office hours bring a first-generation student deciding between grad school and the job market -- the advising matters as much as the teaching. The evening is claimed by the professor's own research: cleaning survey data on neighborhood change and drafting the paper that has to be out for review by the end of the term.
Tasks at the job
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
There's a regular, moderate amount of time pressure, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. The work is highly structured, following set procedures.