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Social Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Manager, Research

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00167 - CSW Social Research Institute Location Campus City ...

University of Utah

Manager, Research

Campus, IL · On-site

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00167 - CSW Social Research Institute Location Campus City ...

University of Utah

Manager, Research

Campus, IL

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00167 - CSW Social Research Institute Location Campus City ...

University of Utah

Manager, Research

Campus, IL · On-site

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00167 - CSW Social Research Institute Location Campus City ...

University of Utah

Manager, Research

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00167 - CSW Social Research Institute Location Campus City ...

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

Social Science Research Lead Position Overview BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to supportNationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This position provides ...

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Social Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do social researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for social researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do social researchers get paid?

Social researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced researchers or those with specialized skills can earn over $80,000 annually.

What is the difference between Social Researcher vs Market Research Analyst?

AspectSocial ResearcherMarket Research Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in social sciences, research methodsBachelor's or master's in marketing, business, or statistics
Work EnvironmentAcademic, government, or nonprofit settingsCorporate, marketing agencies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in social policy, community programs, academiaUsed in consumer insights, product development, advertising
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research skills and focus areasCompared for market insights and business strategies

Social Researchers and Market Research Analysts both analyze data to inform decisions, but Social Researchers focus on societal issues, policies, and community needs, often working in academic or government settings. Market Research Analysts concentrate on consumer behavior, product trends, and marketing strategies within corporate environments. While their skills overlap in research methods, their industries and objectives differ significantly.

How do I become a social science researcher?

To become a social science researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in social sciences, sociology, psychology, or related fields is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced roles. Developing strong research skills, proficiency in data analysis tools like SPSS or NVivo, and experience with qualitative and quantitative methods are essential for success in this field.

What are some common challenges social researchers face when conducting fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Social researchers often encounter challenges such as gaining access to communities, ensuring participant trust, and maintaining objectivity during fieldwork. Building rapport with participants and being transparent about research goals can help foster trust. Additionally, adhering to ethical guidelines and using standardized data collection methods can minimize biases and ensure the integrity of the research. Collaborating closely with local stakeholders and team members also helps to navigate logistical or cultural barriers more effectively.

What is the role of a social researcher?

A social researcher studies societal behaviors, attitudes, and trends through data collection and analysis to inform policies or understand social issues. They use methods like surveys, interviews, and statistical tools, often working in academic, government, or nonprofit settings to produce evidence-based insights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, a background in social sciences (often with a relevant degree), and experience in research methodologies. Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data analysis tools such as SPSS, NVivo, or R, as well as survey platforms, is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help you effectively interpret findings and present results to diverse audiences. These skills ensure accurate data collection, insightful analysis, and impactful contributions to policy or organizational decision-making.

What is the highest paid social science career?

In social research, senior roles such as chief data officers or research directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong analytical skills with tools like SPSS or Stata.

What are social researchers?

Social researchers are professionals who design, conduct, and analyze studies to understand human behavior, social patterns, and societal issues. They use various research methods, such as surveys, interviews, and data analysis, to gather insights about communities, organizations, or populations. Their work helps inform policy-making, program development, and academic understanding of social dynamics. Social researchers can work in universities, government agencies, non-profits, or private organizations.
More about Social Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Social Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Social Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Social Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Social Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Social Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Social Researcher jobs are:
Social Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Senior Researcher

Center for Talent Innovation

Manhattan, NY • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Center for Talent Innovation (CTI) is a New York based think tank that conducts research, builds community, and advises companies to design diverse, inclusive workplaces where every person belongs.

CTI currently works with 100+ companies - many in the Fortune 500 - and is organized along three pillars:

  1.        A community of business experts and leaders at leading global companies - our Task Force of member companies
  2.        Ground-breaking research and publications on the most important issues in diversity and inclusion
  3.        Advisory services that drive change through the implementation of our research

This position is located in our large, bright office in midtown, though CTI aims to be flexible regarding work- from-home considerations. CTI is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the integrity of our research.

Job Description

The Senior Researcher, a Manager-level position, supports the center's research on diversity and inclusion as well as its client advisory services, taking on a significant role in managing projects, overseeing quantitative and qualitative analysis, and presenting findings. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in social research management, design, analysis, and interpretation, as well as awareness and interest in emerging issues of diversity and inclusion. This is an opportunity for a sharp, visionary thinker to delve into urgent workplace diversity issues and uncover transformative solutions. This position will report to the Executive Vice Presidents.

Responsibilities to include:

  •          Contribute strongly to CTI's research projects, from idea generation to publication
  •          Set project standards and monitor progress
  •          Communicate interim and final research findings in a clear, concise, and actionable manner to senior client stakeholders
  •          Design questionnaires for interviews, focus groups, and surveys
  •          Conduct focus groups and interviews
  •          Manage analysis of quantitative and qualitative findings and maintain data integrity
  •          Ensure research findings are rigorously fact-checked against CTI data and external data
  •          Create clear, informative reports for clients
  •          Other responsibilities as needed
Qualifications

Requirements:

  •          PhD in a social science or public administration subject, with coursework in statistics and data analysis
  •          2-5 years of experience in an academic or non-academic research setting; a focus on relevant topics a strong plus
  •          Demonstrated applied research skills, with excellent methodological and analytic capabilities
  •          Exemplary statistical analysis skills, with experience in Stata or SPSS
  •          Creative problem-solving skills
  •          Ability to tell a compelling story by synthesizing quantitative and qualitative insights
  •          Strong public speaking skills
  •          Commitment to quality, objectivity, and integrity
  •          Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  •          Detail-oriented, especially around data and how it is presented
  •          Ability to mentor and develop staff members
  •          Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to balance multiple work streams
  •          Ability to work both independently and effectively as a team player
  •          Superb Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills
  •          Experience working with corporate clients a plus
  •          High energy and passion for CTI's mission is essential
Additional Information

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits.

Location: New York, NY

How to Apply

Please email cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary requirement

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis. Only those whose application is being considered will be contacted. No phone calls or emails, please.

The Center for Talent Innovation wishes to attract the best talent. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, physical and mental disability, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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