Social science research assistants
SOC Code: 19-4061Also known as:
Bilingual Research Interviewer, Clinical Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Economic Research Assistant, Economist Research Assistant
Median Annual Salary
$58,040
+4.4% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
41K
Current Jobs
What Social science research assistants Do
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
💰 Salary
$58,040
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
40,600
Projected Employment (2034)
42,300
Related Careers
Natural sciences managers
$161,180 •
+3.7% growth
Statisticians
$103,300 •
+8.5% growth
Data scientists
$112,590 •
+33.5% growth
Survey researchers
$63,380 •
-5.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
- Conduct internet-based and library research.
- Present research findings to groups of people.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Social science research assistants
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a social science research assistants:
Psychology, General
147,078 degrees awarded •
1,575 colleges offer this program
Political Science and Government, General
43,359 degrees awarded •
1,174 colleges offer this program
Sociology, General
31,211 degrees awarded •
1,059 colleges offer this program
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
22,727 degrees awarded •
298 colleges offer this program
Economics, General
21,627 degrees awarded •
659 colleges offer this program
Social Sciences, General
15,565 degrees awarded •
333 colleges offer this program
Public Policy Analysis, General
5,419 degrees awarded •
163 colleges offer this program
Behavioral Sciences
5,391 degrees awarded •
117 colleges offer this program
Development Economics and International Development
375 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Applied Economics
368 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Social science research assistants
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become social science research assistants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social science research assistants make?
The median annual salary for social science research assistants is $58,040.
What education do social science research assistants need?
Most social science research assistants positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Psychology, General, Political Science and Government, General, Sociology, General.
Is becoming social science research assistants a good career choice?
Social science research assistants is projected to see +4.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 5,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for social science research assistants?
Top colleges for aspiring social science research assistants include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The University of Texas at Austin, University of California-Santa Barbara.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to social science research assistants?
Social science research assistants may also be known as: Bilingual Research Interviewer, Clinical Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Economic Research Assistant, Economist Research Assistant, Graduate Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant, Historian Research Assistant, Laboratory Assistant, Market Research Interviewer, Political Science Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Psychologist Research Assistant, Research Aide, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Data Analyst, Research Interviewer, Research Scientist, Research Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.