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The differences between social scientists and behavioral scientists 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 $71,150 average annual salary of a social scientist.
The top three skills for a social scientist include statistical analysis, data collection and social science research. The most important skills for a behavioral scientist are research projects, statistical analysis, and data analysis.
| Social Scientist | Behavioral Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $71,150 | $84,521 |
| Hourly rate | $34.21 | $40.64 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 73,796 | 45,246 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A social scientist conducts studies and spearheads research projects that focus on society and human behavior. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies upon their industry or institution of employment, it usually includes planning procedures according to research requirements, identifying and coordinating with research subjects, conducting surveys and interviews, and gathering and analyzing various data. Through the findings of their research, a social scientist generates conclusions and recommendations that will determine or support future efforts. When it comes to employment, a social scientist may work for government agencies, private companies, facilities, or even become an instructor at learning institutions.
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.
Social scientists and behavioral scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Social Scientist | Behavioral Scientist | |
| Average salary | $71,150 | $84,521 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $116,000 | Between $51,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | - |
| Highest paying state | Maine | - |
| Best paying company | Booz Allen Hamilton | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a social scientist and a behavioral scientist in terms of educational background:
| Social Scientist | Behavioral Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Anthropology | Psychology |
| Most common college | University of Maryland - College Park | Columbia University in the City of New York |
Here are the differences between social scientists' and behavioral scientists' demographics:
| Social Scientist | Behavioral Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.9% Female, 38.1% | Male, 47.2% Female, 52.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 7.8% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |