Science
Social science research assistant
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.
Median pay
$61,990
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
4,900
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Social science research assistant
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Social science research assistant: 13% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Clinical Research Assistant · Graduate Assistant · Graduate Research Assistant · Research Aide · Research Assistant · Research Associate · Research Technician · Social Research Assistant
Outlook and AI
Social science research assistants held 38,400 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 40,400 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Social science research assistant vs. Data scientist
- Social science research assistant vs. Survey researcher
- Social science research assistant vs. Natural sciences manager
- Social science research assistant vs. Statistician
- Social science research assistant vs. Statistical assistant
- Social science research assistant vs. Teaching assistants, postsecondary
- Social science research assistant vs. Computer systems analyst
- Social science research assistant vs. Mathematical science occupations, all other