Life, Physical & Social Science
Social Science Research Assistants
Also called: Clinical Research Assistant, Graduate Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant, Research Aide
US median pay
$61,990
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
4,900
38,400 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Systems Evaluation2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
- Programming2.6/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.2/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Administrative3.2/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree53%
- Master's degree37%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.