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Behavioral scientist vs social worker

The differences between behavioral scientists and social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a behavioral scientist has an average salary of $84,521, which is higher than the $50,102 average annual salary of a social worker.

The top three skills for a behavioral scientist include research projects, statistical analysis and data analysis. The most important skills for a social worker are social work, patients, and patient care.

Behavioral scientist vs social worker overview

Behavioral ScientistSocial Worker
Yearly salary$84,521$50,102
Hourly rate$40.64$24.09
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs45,24677,340
Job satisfaction-4.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4145
Years of experience-2

What does a behavioral scientist do?

A behavioral scientist specializes in studying human behavior and interactions with various organisms. As a behavioral scientist, they are responsible for conducting studies, planning procedures according to research requirements, gathering and analyzing data, conducting surveys and interviews, and observing subjects. Through their research findings, a behavioral scientist develops conclusions and recommendations significant to the study's purpose. There are also times when they may provide consultations, facilitate seminars, and even help establish various programs. When it comes to employment, a behavioral scientist may work for government agencies, private or public laboratories, and even teach at learning institutions.

What does a social worker do?

Social workers help their clients get through problems that they may be facing. Social workers help identify individuals or groups of people, usually families, who may need assistance, generally through a set of pre-determined criteria. They then determine the best ways to help their clients by interviewing them, getting to know them, and understanding the context of their lives. They create plans that will help their clients become better, such as integrating into a new environment, assisting them in their needs, or even rescuing them from their current place. Social workers have good interpersonal skills and communication skills.

Behavioral scientist vs social worker salary

Behavioral scientists and social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavioral ScientistSocial Worker
Average salary$84,521$50,102
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $137,000Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City-Portland, OR
Highest paying state-Oregon
Best paying company-Health Advocates
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between behavioral scientist and social worker education

There are a few differences between a behavioral scientist and a social worker in terms of educational background:

Behavioral ScientistSocial Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPsychologySocial Work
Most common collegeColumbia University in the City of New YorkUniversity of Pennsylvania

Behavioral scientist vs social worker demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral scientists' and social workers' demographics:

Behavioral ScientistSocial Worker
Average age4145
Gender ratioMale, 47.2% Female, 52.8%Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 5.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 19.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%13%

Differences between behavioral scientist and social worker duties and responsibilities

Behavioral scientist example 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.
  • Develop extraction processes for naturally-occurring cholesterol-lowering compounds.
  • Function as hospital AOC and adeptly uphold all reporting requirements.
  • Show more

Social worker example responsibilities.

  • Assist clients in achieving treatment goals such as anger, ADHD, grief, social skills, and manners.
  • Lead and co-le CBT and DBT skills-base groups with participants, as well as relapse prevention, mindfulness and process groups.
  • Support patient questions and issues regarding Medicare ESRD entitlement and Medicaid and assist in the completion of the appropriate documentation.
  • Coordinate IPU discharge planning patients to SNF, ALF, PCH or in-home care with necessary support for care.
  • Facilitate relationships with AKF and other patient assistance programs, VA, Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance providers.
  • Complete Medicaid and Medicare applications as needed.
  • Show more

Behavioral scientist vs social worker skills

Common behavioral scientist skills
  • Research Projects, 33%
  • Statistical Analysis, 28%
  • Data Analysis, 25%
  • Quantitative Data, 7%
  • Community Organizations, 3%
  • CDC, 2%
Common social worker skills
  • Social Work, 30%
  • Patients, 15%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • MSW, 4%
  • Discharge Planning, 4%
  • Home Health, 4%

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