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.
Social Science Research Assistants
SOC: 19-4061 O*NET: 19-4061.00
Median Salary
$58,040
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.4%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Social Science Research Assistants do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$36,410
10th percentile
Early Career
$46,190
25th percentile
Median
$58,040
50th percentile
Experienced
$73,060
75th percentile
Top Earners
$100,620
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,410
25th
$46,190
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$58,040
Mean: $63,560
75th
$73,060
90th
$100,620
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $64,210 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $46,190 and $73,060
- •Salary spread is 46.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 32,940 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:40,600
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services39.3%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services39.3%
Scientific Research and Development Services30.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.4%
Annual Openings:5,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)40,600
Current
2034 (Projected)42,300
+4.4%
+1,800
Employment Change
+4.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Social Science Research Assistants professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 41 locations
California
5,610 jobs$48,7201.45x
North Carolina
3,470 jobs$58,4103.32x
New York
2,990 jobs$60,1101.46x
Georgia
2,040 jobs$63,7901.96x
District of Columbia
1,740 jobs$63,63011.50x
Utah
1,470 jobs$04.01x
Texas
1,430 jobs$55,4300.48x
Pennsylvania
1,270 jobs$54,9400.99x
Kentucky
1,100 jobs$62,8002.57x
Florida
1,090 jobs$55,9800.52x
South Carolina
840 jobs$66,9901.73x
Maryland
710 jobs$61,8301.21x
Arizona
670 jobs$59,1300.97x
Michigan
670 jobs$51,8000.71x
Virginia
510 jobs$50,1600.59x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Science
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Mathematics
46%
#10
Active Learning
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Science
intermediate3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Mathematics
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Atmospheric and Space Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Statisticians100%
5 shared skills
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers100%
5 shared skills
Hydrologists100%
5 shared skills
Materials Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Materials Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Science
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Writing
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Writing
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Social Science Research Assistants
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Tableau
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
ESRI ArcGIS software
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (3)General Responsibilities (11)Operations & Execution (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Planning & Development (3)
1
Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision100% perform100%
2
Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Conduct internet-based and library research.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Present research findings to groups of people.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Social Science Research Assistants
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Social Science Research Assistants professionals typically have a ICS Holland code and highly value independence
IInvestigative
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Social Science Research Assistants
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.94
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.76
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.62
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.47
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.36
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.32
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.9
Cooperation
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.6
Independence
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Self-Control
4.3
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Persistence
4.2
Analytical Thinking
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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