Social Science Research Assistants

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.

How to read this profile

BLS projects U.S. employment for Social Science Research Assistants to increase by 5.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 38,400 to 40,400 jobs. Its estimate of 4,900 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($61,990), education (Bachelor's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.

Base employment (2024)

38,400

Projected employment (2034)

40,400

Projected change (2024–2034)

5%

Annual openings (projected average)

4,900

Pay & Preparation
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$61,990

Bachelor's degree

None

None

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension (4/5) • Active Listening (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.75/5) • Writing (3.75/5) • Speaking (3.38/5) • Complex Problem Solving (3.38/5)

O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.

BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.

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