What is a Social Science Research Assistant?

Social Science Research Assistant Example 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?

• Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required.
• Recruit and schedule research participants.
• Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
• Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
• Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
• Track laboratory supplies, and expenses such as participant reimbursement.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Social Science Research Assistant?

Social Science Research Assistants state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Types of Social Science Research Assistant Jobs

• City Planning Aide
• Research Coordinator
• Research Technician
• Data Specialist
• Data Analyst

Is There Job Demand for Social Science Research Assistants?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 34,000 jobs in the United States for Social Science Research Assistants.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.3% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,500 new jobs for Social Science Research Assistants 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 Assistants are District of Columbia, Arizona, and New York.

Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Connecticut, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Social Science Research Assistant Salary

The salary for Social Science Research Assistants ranges between about $25,370 and $78,470 a year. A Social Science Research Assistant median salary is $46,640.

How much do Social Science Research Assistants make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
District of Columbia	$65,410
New Jersey	$58,480
South Carolina	$56,720
Massachusetts	$55,310
Maryland	$55,260
Arizona	$54,960
Nevada	$54,200
New Hampshire	$53,410
Hawaii	$53,200
Arkansas	$52,990
Georgia	$52,880
Colorado	$52,320
Florida	$51,090
Missouri	$50,970
Virginia	$50,950
California	$49,630
Illinois	$49,570
Texas	$49,230
Maine	$49,030
New York	$49,000
Oregon	$48,870
Nebraska	$48,800
Wisconsin	$48,350
Vermont	$47,320
Washington	$47,300
North Dakota	$47,200
Kentucky	$47,130
Ohio	$46,560
North Carolina	$46,050
West Virginia	$46,000
Tennessee	$45,640
Utah	$45,560
Pennsylvania	$43,710
Oklahoma	$43,450
Michigan	$43,360
Connecticut	$42,880
Iowa	$40,950

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:

• ESRI ArcGIS software
• Microsoft Visual Basic
• SAS
• The MathWorks MATLAB
• IBM SPSS Statistics
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft SQL Server
• R
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook

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 Social Science Research Assistant?

Who Employs Social Science Research Assistants?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming Social Science Research Assistants might also be interested in the following careers:

• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Are you already one of the many Social Science Research Assistants in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• Web Administrators
• Technical Writers
• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons