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Social Research Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Murphy Research

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 ...

Fox

Associate Director, Ad Sales Research

New York, NY · On-site

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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How much do social research consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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.

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What job categories do people searching Social Research Consultant jobs look for?

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Social Research Consultant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Research Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,871 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

Policy and Research Consultant (GFTL)

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Commonwealth of Kentucky
See more jobs at Commonwealth of Kentuckyexternal

$63K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Advertisement Closes
9/7/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
req80856
Policy and Research Consultant (GFTL)
Pay Grade18
Salary
$63,262.08 - $94,892.88 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources
Location
Kentucky Department of Fish and WildlifeResources (KDFWR)
1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
Would you like to work with people who are dedicated to conserving the Commonwealth's fish and wildliferesources? Do you want to be part of an agency that provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoorsby fishing, hunting, boating, recreational shooting, wildlife watching or related activities in Kentucky? Joinus in the exciting, innovative, and rewarding environment of the Kentucky Department of Fish and WildlifeResources (KDFWR)!
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) strives to maintain healthy populations of fish andwildlife across the state. The employees of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife are passionate about the resources theymanage. The Information and Education Division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife teaches the public about theimportance of conservation and our agency's role in it.
This Policy and Research Consultant position is within the Information and Education Division of KDFWR. Theemployee will be responsible for: conducting social science research including: survey design and analysis;assessing the public attitudes, behaviors, and values; and providing data-driven insights that inform agencyprograms, outreach, education, and policy decisions.
This is a grant funded time-limited (GFTL) position. This means it is a position that is paid entirely as theresult of a grant. The duration of employment shall not exceed the life of the grant that funds the position.An employee appointed to a GFTL position is required to meet the minimum requirements for the classification.Further, an employee appointed to a GFTL position is designated as an unclassified (non-merit) employee. AGFTL employee is eligible to receive benefits at the same level as a classified (merit) employee in apermanent position.
Responsibilities and job duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Designs, develops, and conducts research to examine values and behaviors, preferences, social processes, and trends associated with complex conservation management challenges.
  • Utilizes data analysis, seeks to understand public knowledge, perspectives and behaviors to inform department policies. Incorporates social science research into management and conservation efforts.
  • Communicates on the use of social science tools, resources, and research to address wildlife conservation challenges. Presents data to the public, stakeholders, department leadership, and lawmakers.
  • Facilitates the incorporation of social science information into policy decisions, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
  • Analyzes and evaluates survey and public input data and write reports describing the results and then makes recommendations on game and fish populations.
  • Provides technical expertise and consultation on social science methods and stakeholder engagement practices for agency staff.
Preferred skills may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Ability to multi-task various job tasks.
  • Works great as a team member.
  • Self-starter and motivated individual.
  • Adaptability and flexibility.
We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:
  • A 37.5-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)
  • Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays
  • Overtime and compensatory time
  • Affordable health insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement
  • Wellness incentives program
  • Training and career development opportunities; paid continuing education
  • Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
  • Employee discounts on electronics; health and wellness; retail; travel, events and entertainment; and services and education

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering, social work, public administration, public relations, accounting, education, business administration, public health, public health administration, biology, epidemiology, health care administration, psychology, sociology, anthropology, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:Five years of professional experience in the development, research, planning, or analysis of public utility policy issues, Cabinet for Health and Family Services policy issues, or human services policy and/or research and data analysis to include health departments or other related organizations.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:A master's degree or doctorate (JD, PhD, MD/DO) will substitute for the required experience on a year-for- year basis.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:Additional professional experience in the above areas will substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year- for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):NONE
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Some travel may be required.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Kevin Kelly at Kevin.Kelly@ky.gov.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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