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The differences between social scientists and researchers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a social scientist has an average salary of $71,150, which is higher than the $67,145 average annual salary of a researcher.
The top three skills for a social scientist include statistical analysis, data collection and social science research. The most important skills for a researcher are python, lab equipment, and C++.
| Social Scientist | Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $71,150 | $67,145 |
| Hourly rate | $34.21 | $32.28 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 73,796 | 30,498 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
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 researcher is responsible for collating, organizing, and verifying necessary information for a specific subject. Researchers' duties include analyzing data, gathering and comparing resources, ensuring facts, sharing findings with the whole research team, adhering to required methodologies, performing fieldwork as needed, and keeping critical information confidential. Researchers must be knowledgeable about the current market trends and align findings with the research goals. A researcher must show strong communication skills, as well as strong attention to detail and time-management skills to meet deadlines under minimal supervision.
Social scientists and researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Social Scientist | Researcher | |
| Average salary | $71,150 | $67,145 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $116,000 | Between $37,000 And $119,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Booz Allen Hamilton | Renaissance Learning |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a social scientist and a researcher in terms of educational background:
| Social Scientist | Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Anthropology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Maryland - College Park | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between social scientists' and researchers' demographics:
| Social Scientist | Researcher | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.9% Female, 38.1% | Male, 50.9% Female, 49.1% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |