4.8 Careers

Home Health and Personal Care Aides

Home health and personal care aides help people with disabilities or chronic illnesses meet their daily needs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024a). They work in clients’ homes, group homes, and other settings that care for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically needed. A sociology degree can provide the necessary skills to provide empathetic care to clients. The median annual pay for home health and personal care aides is $33,500 or $16 per hour. The occupation is expected to grow faster than average (22%) through 2034. Video 4.1 shares more about this occupation.

Travel Agents

Travel agents plan and sell entertainment, accommodations, and transportation for individuals, groups, and businesses who are taking a trip (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025). They work in offices and remotely at home. The career requires a high school diploma. Sociology is a good degree for this work because it provides a basis for understanding the needs of a diverse group of travelers (from families to business travelers). The median annual pay is $48,450 or $23 per hour. The occupation is expected to grow slower than average (2%) through 2035. Video 4.2 shares more about this occupation.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists work in private practice, healthcare settings, clients’ homes, and nursing homes (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024b). Physical therapists help people improve their mobility and daily functioning when sick or injured. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a license is needed to practice as a physical therapist. A sociology degree can provide a strong background to help understand a client’s challenges with complying with physical therapy exercises. The median annual pay for physical therapists is $99,700 per year or $48 per hour. The occupation is expected to grow much faster than average (15%) through 2034. Video 4.3 shares more about this occupation.