How To Become A Behavioral Scientist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a behavioral scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Behavioral scientists are professionals who research human behavior and decision making as it relates to the society. They use their knowledge and expertise to conduct informed research, focusing on studying how people's actions affect their relationships with others. They also research animal behavior and work in their natural environments to study their habits and behaviors.

Behavioral scientists work closely with communities and individuals to examine their behavior and decision making. They mostly work in schools, universities, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, government institutions, and rehabilitation centers. A successful behavioral scientist should have research skills, analytical skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and good judgement.

Behavioral scientists work 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday between 9 and 5. They may work additional hours in instances where they travel to meet with patients or to work off-site.

ScoreBehavioral ScientistUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,521

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.10%

Asian 5.55%

Black or African American 7.37%

Hispanic or Latino 14.65%

Unknown 6.46%

White 64.87%

Gender

female 52.83%

male 47.17%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Key steps to become a behavioral scientist

Explore behavioral scientist education requirements

Most common behavioral scientist degrees

Bachelor's

60.4 %

Master's

22.6 %

Doctorate

11.3 %

Start to develop specific behavioral scientist skills

Skills	Percentages
Research Projects	32.97%
Statistical Analysis	28.43%
Data Analysis	25.44%
Quantitative Data	6.74%
Community Organizations	2.52%

Research behavioral scientist duties and responsibilities

Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
Enter patient information into HMS accounting system.
Back by solid credentials (MSW) and equal strengths in program, personnel and case management.
Analyze effectiveness of counter-y influence initiatives for enhance detainee exploitation and dissemination among DOD detainee populations.

Prepare your behavioral scientist resume

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