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Research & DevelopmentStable

Social Scientist and Related Worker

Operational-level

Also known as: Behavioral Scientist, Computational Linguist, Demographer, Developmental Psychologist

Research & DevelopmentBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a social scientist, you explore human behavior and society. You might design surveys, collect data, and use statistical software to understand trends or solve community problems. You often work in research firms, universities, or government agencies, collaborating with other experts. This role suits you if you're curious about why people and societies act the way they do, and enjoy detailed research and analysis.
Social ScienceQualitative ResearchQuantitative ResearchBehavioral ScienceResearchAnalyticsPublic PolicySTEMScience

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-0.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,700

per year (US)

Jobs today

41,500

in 2025 → 41,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for Social Scientists and related workers is stable through 2035, with about 2,700 job openings expected each year. The median annual wage is about $101,110. You can advance from roles like a research assistant to become a policy analyst or research coordinator, specializing in areas you find interesting.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Junior Research Assistant
  • Data Collector
  • Survey Interviewer

Where it can lead

  • Social Science Specialist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Research Coordinator

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact this career by automating data collection, analysis, and pattern recognition, enhancing efficiency in research. Social scientists will need to adapt by focusing more on interpreting AI-generated insights, refining research questions, and addressing the ethical implications of AI. Their roles will shift towards higher-level critical thinking, methodological design, and human-centric understanding, rather than routine data processing.