What You Need to Know About Social Science Research Assistant
Occupation 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.
Social Science Research Assistant Responsibilities
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Collect specimens such as blood samples, as required by research projects.
- Code data in preparation for computer entry.
- Conduct internet-based and library research.
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Social Science Research Assistant Required Skills
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Project Manager
- Research Analyst
- Project Coordinator
- Research Aide
- Laboratory Assistant
Social Science Research Assistant Employment Estimates
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. 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.
Social Science Research Assistant Salary
The typical yearly salary for Social Science Research Assistants is somewhere between $25,370 and $78,470.

Social Science Research Assistants who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Social Science Research Assistants 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
Becoming a Social Science Research Assistant
Individuals working as a Social Science Research Assistant have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Social Science Research Assistants Sector

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 interested in being a Social Science Research Assistant may also be interested in:
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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