Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
Social scientists and related workers in this category conduct research and analysis on human behavior, society, and social issues that don't fit into more specific social science roles. They work in government agencies, research organizations, universities, nonprofits, and private firms, using data collection and analysis to inform policy and organizational decisions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against social scientists and related workers, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work varies widely depending on specialization but typically involves designing research projects, collecting and analyzing data through surveys or interviews, reviewing existing research, writing reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders. Some days involve fieldwork or direct observation, while others focus on statistical analysis, literature reviews, or meeting with colleagues to interpret results and develop recommendations.
Who this work suits
You tend to be curious about how societies work and why people behave as they do. You excel at organizing information, spotting patterns in data, and explaining complex findings clearly to different audiences, and you're drawn to work that contributes to understanding social problems.
What it takes
Openings right now
- Social Scientist (Technical Project Lead Coordinator) · Food and Drug Administration · Silver Spring, Maryland · $107446–$139684
- Supervisory Social Scientist · Food and Drug Administration · Silver Spring, Maryland · $107446–$139684
- Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director) · Defense Human Resources Activity · Alexandria, Virginia · $169279–$197200
- Social Scientist · Internal Revenue Service · Multiple Locations · $112556–$158322
- Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer) · National Institutes of Health · Location Negotiable After Selection · $147945–$197200
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $110,510 | $140,670 | $179,730 | 3,380 |
| Maryland | $98,350 | $131,810 | $152,730 | 2,600 |
| District of Columbia | $104,770 | $128,440 | $152,730 | 2,480 |
| Massachusetts | $91,750 | $105,640 | $144,340 | 820 |
| Colorado | $84,590 | $105,390 | $128,440 | 790 |
| New York | $82,140 | $104,770 | $114,880 | 3,410 |
| Nebraska | $81,330 | $104,420 | $120,620 | 120 |
| Minnesota | $85,000 | $103,330 | $103,440 | 1,000 |
| Washington | $82,690 | $102,920 | $132,430 | 1,160 |
| Texas | $83,780 | $101,800 | $125,430 | 2,260 |
| New Jersey | $90,020 | $101,260 | $120,520 | 350 |
| Arizona | $83,100 | $99,320 | $114,380 | 600 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Pupil Transportation Specialist (CPTS) — National Association for Pupil Transportation
- Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) — Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc.
- Parking, Transportation & Mobility Professionals (PTMP) — International Parking & Mobility Institute
- LEED AP Neighborhood Development (ND) — Green Business Certification Inc.
- Oracle Responsys Marketing Platform 2024 Implementation Professional — Oracle Corporation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against social scientists and related workers, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-3099.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.