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Social Research Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like ... You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or ...

Research Associate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like ... You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or ...

Research Associate

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like ... You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or ...

Research Associate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like ... You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or ...

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like ... You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or ...

Act as a trusted research consultant to clients and agencies, identifying their KPIs and recommending measurement solutions tailored to campaigns running across digital, streaming, social, and ...

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Social Research Consultant information

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$33

$63

$103

How much do social research consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for social research consultant in the United States is $63.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.42 and $95.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social research consultant?

Social Research Consultants are professionals who design, conduct, and analyze research focused on social issues, behaviors, and trends. They often work with organizations, governments, or academic institutions to gather data through surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis, providing insights that inform policy, strategy, and decision-making. Their expertise helps clients understand public opinions, evaluate programs, and address social challenges effectively. Social Research Consultants may specialize in areas such as public health, education, or community development, ensuring research is tailored to specific social contexts.

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

To thrive as a Social Research Consultant, you need expertise in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis, often supported by a degree in social sciences or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as SPSS, NVivo, and survey platforms, as well as experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, is typically required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and project management skills help consultants translate findings into actionable recommendations for clients. These abilities are essential for delivering credible insights that inform policy, strategy, and program development.

What are some common challenges faced by social research consultants when working with diverse client organizations?

Social Research Consultants often encounter challenges such as aligning research methodologies with clients' specific needs and organizational cultures. Navigating differing stakeholder expectations, ensuring data integrity across various demographic groups, and effectively communicating complex findings to non-specialist audiences are also common hurdles. Building trust with clients and adapting to changing project scopes require strong interpersonal and project management skills. Successfully addressing these challenges can lead to stronger client relationships and valuable professional growth.

What is the difference between Social Research Consultant vs Social Data Analyst?

AspectSocial Research ConsultantSocial Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in social sciences, research methodsBachelor's or Master's in data analysis, statistics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch firms, NGOs, government agenciesData-driven organizations, tech companies, research firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for designing and conducting social research projectsFocuses on analyzing social data sets and generating insights

Social Research Consultants primarily design and execute social studies, utilizing research methodologies. Social Data Analysts focus on analyzing social data to extract insights. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their core functions—research design versus data analysis.

More about Social Research Consultant jobs

What cities are hiring for Social Research Consultant jobs?

Cities with the most Social Research Consultant job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Research Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,871 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Murphy Research is a full-service custom market research firm known for our innovative research design and consultative approach. We produce groundbreaking qualitative and quantitative research through our focus on creative design, rigorous execution, and enduring insights. Our team thinks out of the box, follows a steady execution process, and is empowered to produce the highest quality research product that truly matters to our clients. At Murphy Research, we make difficult decisions easy.

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team. In this role, you will assist in the development, execution, and analysis of projects for a diverse range of Fortune 500 companies. All of our consulting researchers work across industries on diverse projects with clients like Gatorade, Disney, Visa, Door Dash, and Waymo. This is an exciting opportunity to launch your research consulting career as you support some of the world's most prominent brands with market assessment, brand strategy, product development, customer loyalty and engagement, and communications research.

About You:
  • You have a background in the social sciences: degree or lab experience in psychology, sociology, or anthropology preferred; you're familiar with quantitative and qualitative research methods from coursework, internships, or work experience
  • You've made the decision not to pursue a career in academic research. Instead, you're eager to apply your knowledge of research methods toward business strategies and help our clients make difficult decisions easier
  • You put client-service first while maintaining high expectations for quality work under fast-paced, ever-changing, and stressful circumstances
  • You delight the clients you serve and thrive when challenged by changes and new opportunities
  • You understand the importance of time management and the need to prioritize as you work on several projects simultaneously
  • You love teamwork and collaboration just as much as working independently
  • You are skilled at engaging with colleagues and clients in a virtual environment and you don't shy away from asking a question or adding your voice to the conversation on zoom
  • Your communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are points of strength
  • You possess an ambitious curiosity and are self-motivated to take initiative
  • You're excited about pursuing a career working with top-notch brands in an ever-changing and dynamic environment that will be as challenging as it is rewarding
What You'll Be Doing:
  • In a fast-paced and deadline-driven consulting environment, you will utilize strong strategic thinking and analytic skill
  • You will collaborate with a team of researchers to execute study progress against tight project deadlines
  • With strong support from senior leadership, you'll receive on-the-job training and mentorship in project management, data processing, questionnaire design, report writing, and research methodology to ensure research is of the highest quality
  • Utilizing our rigorous project process you will manage vendor relationships, oversee data collection, address quality control issues with online programs, data tables, reports, and develop PPT report charts
  • You will work with large data sets, so an eye for detail is key; your proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a must!
  • You will trust that career growth stems from the challenge inherent to custom market research designs - never doing the same thing twice; doing so, you'll launch and develop your career as a strong analyst, project manager, and research consultant
What We Offer:
  • Daily opportunity for variety, challenge, and growth
  • Great training, career advancement, and mentorship opportunities
  • A collaborative, team-oriented, and high-performing atmosphere
  • Starting Salary Range: $50,000 - $52,000
  • Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid time off, in-person and virtual social activities
  • A commitment to a hybrid work model (all new hires must live within commuting distance of our Century City or downtown Minneapolis co-working spaces and join the team Tuesdays & Thursdays in-office); all team members also retain the support structure and flexibility to work remotely on non-office days.

Application Details:

    • Applying to this posting means you are available to start between now and May. If you are in a full-time academic program and looking to start this Summer, please apply to our other RA listing.
    • Applying to this posting means you are located in CA or MN.
    • Relocation is not offered; Murphy Research can only hire in the states of CA or MN at this time. In your application, please indicate which city you plan to work/reside.
    • Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and will remain open until all current positions are filled.