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Social Science Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Social Science Research Associate information

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How much do social science research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for social science research associate in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Social Science Research Associate vs Research Analyst?

AspectSocial Science Research AssociateResearch Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in social sciences, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in related fields, analytical skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, government, or nonprofit research settingsCorporate, consulting, or market research firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, think tanks, NGOsBusinesses, market research companies, financial firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Social Science Research Associate typically works in academic or nonprofit settings focusing on social research projects, requiring social science backgrounds. Research Analysts often work in corporate or market environments analyzing data for business insights. While both roles involve research skills, their industries and focus areas differ, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities.

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

To thrive as a Social Science Research Associate, you need a solid background in social science research methods, data analysis, and typically at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, R, or Stata and familiarity with survey platforms or qualitative analysis tools are often required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively and manage complex research projects. These skills ensure accurate data collection and analysis, as well as the effective dissemination of research findings to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges Social Science Research Associates encounter when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Social Science Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing deadlines, coordinating with diverse research teams, and ensuring data quality across studies. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to meet deliverables and maintain project integrity. Additionally, adapting to shifting research priorities or methodologies requires flexibility and collaboration with principal investigators and other stakeholders.

What are Social Science Research Associates?

Social Science Research Associates support the design, implementation, and analysis of research projects in fields like psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. They assist lead researchers by collecting data, conducting literature reviews, running statistical analyses, and preparing reports or presentations. Their work helps advance knowledge on social issues and informs policy decisions. These professionals usually work in academic institutions, government agencies, or private research organizations.
More about Social Science Research Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Social Science Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Social Science Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Science Research jobs? The most popular types of Social Science Research jobs are:
What states have the most Social Science Research Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Social Science Research Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Social Science Research Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,308 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Social Science Research Analyst

Department of Human Services

Windsor Mill, MD

$65K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Center for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services (CMCS).
As a Social Science Research Analyst, GS-0101-9/11/12, you will perform program and policy analyses of services provided by HHS programs.Qualifications:ALL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
Your resume (limited to no more than 2 pages) must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position. Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating. This will prevent you from receiving further consideration.

In order to qualify for the GS-09, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: 1) Assisting in conducting analytical studies, research projects, or data studies for a national-level healthcare program; 2) Using qualitative and quantitative methods to assist in analyzing healthcare data to support program implementation, monitoring, and compliance; AND 3) Preparing research documents (i.e. research reports, data summaries, or implementation guidelines) to inform stakeholders on program initiatives.
- OR -
Substitution of Education for Experience: You may substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-09 level by possessing a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related to the position being filled.
- OR -
Combination of Experience and Education: Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the GS-07 grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-09. Therefore, only education in excess of 1 full year of graduate-level education may be used to combine education and experience.
TRANSCRIPTS are required to verify satisfactory completion of the educational requirement related to the substitution of education for experience and the combination of experience and education. Please refer to the "Required Documents" section below for the documentation required at the time of application.
In order to qualify for the GS-11, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: 1) Conducting analytical studies, research projects, or data studies for a national-level healthcare program; 2) Using qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze healthcare data to support program implementation, monitoring, and compliance; AND 3) Preparing research documents (i.e. research reports, data summaries, or implementation guidelines) to inform stakeholders on program initiatives.
- OR -
Substitution of Education for Experience: You may substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-11 level by possessing a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or equivalent doctoral degree or LL.M., if related to the position being filled.
- OR -
Combination of Experience and Education: Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the GS-09 grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-11. Therefore, only education in excess of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree may be used to combine education and experience.
TRANSCRIPTS are required to verify satisfactory completion of the educational requirement related to the substitution of education for experience and the combination of experience and education. Please refer to the "Required Documents" section below for the documentation required at the time of application.
In order to qualify for the GS-12, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: 1) Planning or designing analytical studies, research projects, or data studies for a national-level healthcare program; 2) Using qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze healthcare data to support program implementation, monitoring, and compliance; 3) Creating technical reports or data summaries and communicating findings to leadership or other stakeholders on program initiatives.
Substitution of Education for Experience: There is no substitution of education to meet the specialized experience requirement at the GS-12 grade level.
Combination of Experience and Education: There is no combination of experience and education to meet the specialized experience requirement at the GS-12 grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the qualification requirements, all candidates must have the following educational requirements:
  • Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR
  • Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; OR
  • Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
TRANSCRIPTS are required to verify satisfactory completion of the educational requirement listed above. Failure to submit a copy of your transcripts at the time of application WILL result in an ineligible rating. Please see "Required Documents" section below for what documentation is required at the time of application.
Click the following link to view the occupational questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12985985Employment Type: OTHER