What Do Social Science Research Assistant Do?
Example of Social Science Research Assistant Job 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.
Life As a Social Science Research Assistant: What Do They Do?
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Track laboratory supplies, and expenses such as participant reimbursement.
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Present research findings to groups of people.
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
- Collect specimens such as blood samples, as required by research projects.
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What Every Social Science Research Assistant Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Social Science Research Assistants say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Other Social Science Research Assistant Job Titles
- Project Manager
- Research Scientist
- Political Science Research Assistant
- Research Aide
- Research Assistant
Are There Job Opportunities for Social Science Research Assistants?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,000 jobs in the United States for Social Science Research Assistant. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.4% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Social Science Research Assistant by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,100 positions for Social Science Research Assistant per year.

The states with the most job growth for Social Science Research Assistant are Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, New Jersey, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Social Science Research Assistants Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Social Science Research Assistant ranges between $25,370 and $78,470.

Social Science Research Assistants who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Social Science Research Assistants make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Arizona | $54,960 |
Arkansas | $52,990 |
California | $49,630 |
Colorado | $52,320 |
Connecticut | $42,880 |
District of Columbia | $65,410 |
Florida | $51,090 |
Georgia | $52,880 |
Hawaii | $53,200 |
Illinois | $49,570 |
Iowa | $40,950 |
Kentucky | $47,130 |
Maine | $49,030 |
Maryland | $55,260 |
Massachusetts | $55,310 |
Michigan | $43,360 |
Missouri | $50,970 |
Nebraska | $48,800 |
Nevada | $54,200 |
New Hampshire | $53,410 |
New Jersey | $58,480 |
New York | $49,000 |
North Carolina | $46,050 |
North Dakota | $47,200 |
Ohio | $46,560 |
Oklahoma | $43,450 |
Oregon | $48,870 |
Pennsylvania | $43,710 |
South Carolina | $56,720 |
Tennessee | $45,640 |
Texas | $49,230 |
Utah | $45,560 |
Vermont | $47,320 |
Virginia | $50,950 |
Washington | $47,300 |
West Virginia | $46,000 |
Wisconsin | $48,350 |
What Tools do Social Science Research Assistants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Social Science Research Assistants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Database software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- R
- Graphics software
- StataCorp Stata
- ESRI ArcGIS software
How do I Become a Social Science Research Assistant?
Learn what Social Science Research Assistant education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Science Research Assistant?

Where Social Science Research Assistants Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Social Science Research Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Social Science Research Assistant sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Manfred Werner (Tsui) via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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