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Behavioral Science Consultant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Operational Psychologist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

The Operational Psychologist applies behavioral science principles to optimize performance ... consultation, or specialized populations highly preferred. * Experience in human performance ...

Master's degree in public health, social or behavioral sciences, marketing, or a related field ... consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve ...

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Behavioral Science Consultant information

See Virginia salary details

$18

$31

$48

How much do behavioral science consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral science consultant in Virginia is $31.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $36.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral science consultant?

Behavioral Science Consultants are professionals who apply principles from psychology, sociology, and related fields to help organizations understand and influence human behavior. They analyze patterns, design interventions, and provide recommendations to improve outcomes in areas such as employee engagement, marketing, policy, and customer experience. Their expertise helps organizations make evidence-based decisions and create environments that encourage desired behaviors. Behavioral Science Consultants often work with businesses, government agencies, and non-profits to address complex behavioral challenges.

How does a behavioral science consultant typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Behavioral Science Consultants frequently work alongside departments such as marketing, human resources, product development, and data analytics to design and implement interventions that drive behavior change. Collaboration often involves conducting workshops, sharing behavioral insights, and co-creating strategies tailored to team objectives. Clear communication and a consultative approach are essential, as consultants translate complex behavioral concepts into actionable recommendations that align with organizational goals. This role requires adaptability, as priorities and stakeholders can shift across different projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral science consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Science Consultant, you need a solid background in psychology, behavioral economics, or a related field, typically supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, behavioral research methodologies, and project management systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders are crucial soft skills. These competencies enable consultants to design effective interventions, translate behavioral insights into actionable strategies, and drive impactful organizational change.

How do you become a behavioral science consultant?

To become a behavioral science consultant, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, behavioral economics, or a related field, followed by advanced education such as a master's or Ph.D. in behavioral science or a related discipline. Gaining experience through internships, research, or consulting projects, along with developing skills in data analysis, research methods, and behavioral modeling, is also important. Certifications in behavioral analysis or related areas can enhance credibility and job prospects.

Is behavioral science in high demand?

Behavioral science consultants are increasingly in demand across industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology, as organizations seek to apply insights from psychology and decision-making to improve outcomes. The growth is driven by the need for data analysis, research skills, and understanding human behavior, often requiring advanced degrees or certifications. Job opportunities are expected to expand as organizations prioritize behavioral insights for strategic decision-making.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Behavioral Science Consultant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Behavioral Science Consultant job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Science Consultant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,258 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Principal People Scientist, People Strategy & Analytics

Capital One Group

Mclean, VA • On-site

$131 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Consult with clients to frame problems, answer questions, and design solutions to improve the associate experience

  • Build and drive programs and solutions for measurement, validation, and experimentation

  • Analyze the impact of programs and generate insights to support data-driven decision making


Job description

Principal People Scientist, People Strategy & Analytics

The People Strategy and Analytics team at Capital One is on a mission to transform the associate experience – from hiring to onboarding to career development – so that all talent can flourish. As a Principal People Scientist on the People Strategy & Analytics team, you will use organizational science, measurement techniques, behavioral insights, and advanced analytics to help drive that transformation. Our ideal candidate will display a strong balance of analytical and problem solving skills, business consulting, and communication competencies, as well as the ability to work in a dynamic team environment. You’ll be on a cross‑functional team that includes analysts, data scientists, and other people scientists. This role will primarily specialize in enterprise listening strategies like surveying & measurement design, but will also have frequent opportunities to collaborate with key HR partners in areas like Talent & Performance Management, People Leadership and Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging. Projects will focus on improving the associate experience and unlocking best practices in the talent strategy space. A typical day will include client consultation, measurement design, program design, insights generation, and analysis.

Your main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Consultation: Bring your expertise in organizational science principles and analysis to help our clients frame problems, answer questions, and design solutions to improve the associate experience
  • Design: Build and drive key programs and solutions for our partners, including strategies for measurement and validation
  • Experimentation: Partner with clients and teams across Capital One to design experiments to understand key drivers of associates and behavior
  • Insights & analysis: Analyze the impact of our programs and combine those insights with the latest thinking in organizational science to help our clients make data‑driven, informed decisions
Successful team members demonstrate competencies in these areas:
  • Purpose: You feel a deep personal connection to improving the associate experience and are motivated by applying organizational science in a mission‑driven way
  • Analytical thinking: A proven track record of decision making and problem solving based in analytics. Conceptual thinking skills must be complemented by a strong quantitative orientation. Identify opportunities for improvement and use data to make strategic and tactical recommendations.
  • Execution: Develop and test hypotheses, design solutions, assess operational feasibility, support implementation efforts, and develop plans and tools for monitoring outcomes
  • Partnership: Collaborate effectively with other team members and HR clients
  • Business communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, including visualization skills (i.e., able to “tell the story” and highlight key insights in a clear and concise manner that is easily understood by stakeholders)
  • Results focus: Drives for results and achieves important goals; applies strong organizational skills and detail orientation, even amidst ambiguity
Basic Qualifications:
  • Master's degree
  • At least 1 year of professional work experience in Industrial and Organizational Psychology OR Organizational Behavior OR Behavioral Science
  • At least 1 year of data analysis experience conducting analyses, and building statistical models in R, Python, or SQL
  • At least 2 years of experience in consulting with external or internal clients across a variety of seniority levels and technical experience
Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology or Organizational Behavior or Behavioral Science
  • At least 2 years professional work experience in Industrial and Organizational Psychology or Organizational Behavior
  • Knowledge of advanced statistical methodologies, including regression, or longitudinal analysis, or Bayesian modeling
Salary information:

The minimum and maximum full‑time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part‑time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

  • McLean, VA: $131,300 - $149,800 for Principal People Scientist
  • Richmond, VA: $119,400 - $136,200 for Principal People Scientist

Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well‑being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part‑time status, exempt or non‑exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.

No agencies please.

Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non‑discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Capital One promotes a drug‑free workplace.

Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23‑A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City’s Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com

At Capital One, we’re building a leading information-based technology company. Still founder‑led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Fairbank, Capital One is on a mission to help our customers succeed by bringing ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity to banking. We measure our efforts by the success our customers enjoy and the advocacy they exhibit.

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