Social Science Research Assistants
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.
- Median pay
- $61,990
- Doing it now
- 38,400
- By 2035
- Up 5%
- Usually needs
- Bachelor's degree
a year
across the country
4,900 openings a year
to get in
What the work involves
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
- Conduct internet-based and library research.
What to study
The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.
- Social Sciences, GeneralSee 348 colleges that teach it
- Research and Experimental PsychologySee 226 colleges that teach it
- Psychology, GeneralSee 1,389 colleges that teach it
- Political Science and GovernmentSee 1,130 colleges that teach it
Who it suits
O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.
Analytical and curious
Organised and precise
Helping and teaching
Careers like this one
Where this comes from: the description and the task list are O*NET, which the Department of Labor maintains. Pay, workforce size, outlook and the education normally needed are the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections programme, 2025 wages and 2025 to 2035 projections. Half of them earn more than $61,990 a year, which means half earn less, and what you would earn depends on where you work and how long you have been doing it. The fields of study come from the National Center for Education Statistics crosswalk.