Social Science Research Assistants

SOC code 19-4061 · O*NET-SOC 19-4061.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Social Science Research Assistants pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$61,990

a year

Hourly

$29.81

per hour

10th$38,090Median$61,99090th$102,070

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$66,140

$31.80 per hour

Middle 50%

$48,620 – $77,760

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,090 – $102,070

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

30,640

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,090; $18.31/hr
25th percentile: $48,620; $23.38/hr
Median percentile: $61,990; $29.81/hr
75th percentile: $77,760; $37.38/hr
90th percentile: $102,070; $49.07/hr

What does a social science research assistant do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.
Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.
Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
Recruit and schedule research participants.
Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.
Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.

How to become a social science research assistant

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 53% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree53%
Master's Degree37%
Some College Courses9%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate2%

Common questions

How much does a social science research assistant earn?

The national median is $61,990 a year. The full range runs from $38,090 at the 10th percentile to $102,070 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a social science research assistant without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Writing3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Speaking3.4/5
Science3.3/5
Mathematics3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Administrative3.2/5
Mathematics3.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
Education and Training2.9/5
Psychology2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.