What Does it Take to Be a Social Science Research Assistant?
Career Description 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.
A Day in the Life of a Social Science Research Assistant
- Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.
- Track laboratory supplies, and expenses such as participant reimbursement.
- Code data in preparation for computer entry.
- Collect specimens such as blood samples, as required by research projects.
- Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required.
- Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.
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Skills Needed to be a Social Science Research Assistant
These are the skills Social Science Research Assistants say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Graduate Research Assistant
- Computer Aided Telephone Interview Manager (CATI Manager)
- Data Manager
- Project Coordinator
- Clinical Interviewer
Job Opportunities for Social Science Research Assistants
There were about 34,000 jobs for Social Science Research Assistant in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,100 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Social Science Research Assistants Salary
The salary for Social Science Research Assistants ranges between about $25,370 and $78,470 a year.
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 each U.S. state?
| 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 & Technology do Social Science Research Assistants Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Social Science Research Assistants may use on a daily basis:
- 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?
Individuals working as a Social Science Research Assistant have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Social Science Research Assistant?
Where Social Science Research Assistants Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Social Science Research Assistants employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Social Science Research Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Social Science Research Assistant in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Manfred Werner (Tsui) via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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