Social Science Research Assistants in Iowa
Thinking about a career as a Social Science Research Assistants in Iowa? Below are the key facts. 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. Excludes “Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary” (25-9044).
What do Social Science Research Assistants Make in Iowa?
For a social science research assistants working in Iowa, the median annual wage is $31,150 per year (or about $14.97/hour).Earnings range from $21,310 at the 10th percentile to $49,570 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $21,310 | $10.24 |
| 25th percentile | $28,960 | $13.93 |
| Median (50th) | $31,150 | $14.97 |
| 75th percentile | $41,350 | $19.88 |
| 90th percentile | $49,570 | $23.83 |
The job concentration index in Iowa relative to the national average — is 0.46, suggesting fewer social science research assistants per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, social science research assistants earn a median of $41,630 per year ($20.01/hour), lower than the Iowa median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 146,655 social science research assistants nationwide. In Iowa alone, approximately 150 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 230 social science research assistants.
Top Iowa Metros for Social Science Research Assistants
The largest metro-area employers of social science research assistants in Iowa.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA | 50 | $41,350 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 40 | n/a |
Top States for Social Science Research Assistants Employment
The table below shows the states where the most social science research assistants work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 5,610 |
| North Carolina | 3,470 |
| New York | 2,990 |
| Georgia | 2,040 |
| District of Columbia | 1,740 |
| Utah | 1,470 |
| Texas | 1,430 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,270 |
| Kentucky | 1,100 |
| Florida | 1,090 |
| South Carolina | 840 |
| Maryland | 710 |
| Michigan | 670 |
| Arizona | 670 |
| Virginia | 510 |
| Washington | 500 |
| West Virginia | 440 |
| New Jersey | 320 |
| Nebraska | 250 |
| Illinois | 230 |
Highest-Paying States for Social Science Research Assistants
Where social science research assistants earn the most: social science research assistants.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Ohio | $70,670 |
| South Carolina | $66,990 |
| Kansas | $64,080 |
| Georgia | $63,790 |
| District of Columbia | $63,630 |
| Kentucky | $62,800 |
| Maryland | $61,830 |
| New York | $60,110 |
| Massachusetts | $60,110 |
| Arizona | $59,130 |
Skills
The most important social science research assistants skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for social science research assistants, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Social Science Research Assistants typically:
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
- Conduct internet-based and library research.
- Present research findings to groups of people.
- Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.
- Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Developing Objectives and Strategies
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, C++ In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- General Psychology
- Child Development & Psychology
- Economics
- Political Science & Government
- Sociology
- General Social Sciences
- Public Policy
- Behavioral Science
- History and Political Science
- Natural Resource Management
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Related Careers
Careers similar to social science research assistants include:
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Management Analysts
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Statisticians
- Biostatisticians
Also Known As
Bilingual Research Interviewer, Clinical Research Assistant, Data Analyst, Economic Research Assistant, Economist Research Assistant, Graduate Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant, Historian Research Assistant, Laboratory Assistant, Market Research Interviewer, Political Affairs Intern, Political Science Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc Associate), Postdoctoral Fellow (Postdoc Fellow), Postdoctoral Research Associate.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-4061.00
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