Shigoto Zukan
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How to become social science research assistantseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$61,990
25th–75th pct. $48,620–$77,760
Top pay (est.)
$132,700
Top 10% $102,070
Pay in 5 years
$69,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$78,300est.
$67,300–$90,900
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
73%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.0%
4,900 openings / yr

How to become social science research assistants

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Social Science Research Assistants

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.8
Active Listening
4.1
Critical Thinking
3.9
Mathematics
3.9
Writing
3.9
Speaking
3.8
Active Learning
3.6
Science
3.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language
4.7
Administrative
4.5
Computers and Electronics
4.2
Mathematics
4.1
Customer and Personal Service
3.3
Education and Training
3.2
Administration and Management
2.6
Psychology
2.6

What the work involves

Processing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping Objectives and Strategies

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionNear VisionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
53%
Master's degree
37%
Some college
9%
Post-bachelor's certificate
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
40%
None / short demo
19%
6–12 months
15%
1–3 months
15%
1–2 years
6%
3–6 months
4%

Related work experience

6–12 months
23%
2–4 years
17%
None
14%
3–6 months
9%
4–6 years
5%
6–8 years
2%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as social science research assistants

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.