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The differences between sociology research assistants and professional research assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a sociology research assistant and a professional research assistant. Additionally, a sociology research assistant has an average salary of $59,218, which is higher than the $58,202 average annual salary of a professional research assistant.
The top three skills for a sociology research assistant include SPSS, data analysis and research projects. The most important skills for a professional research assistant are research projects, data collection, and patients.
| Sociology Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $59,218 | $58,202 |
| Hourly rate | $28.47 | $27.98 |
| Growth rate | - | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 46,721 | 91,813 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A sociology research assistant is someone who performs administrative tasks for the success of a sociologist's research project. These tasks include management of databases, collection of data through the conduct of interviews or surveys, and assessment of research papers to make sure that the research is not just repeating existing findings. The requirements to qualify for the position include possessing a bachelor's degree in sociology or a related field and having practical experience as a program assistant.
A professional research assistant works under the supervision of primary researchers leading research projects. Research assistants help the main researchers in different tasks supporting research activities. These tasks vary based on research conducted and their field. The assistants prepare the interview questions and provide a results summary. They respond to emails, participate in project meetings, and prepare progress reports. Skills necessary for this job include communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, scheduling, and planning.
Sociology research assistants and professional research assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sociology Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average salary | $59,218 | $58,202 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $95,000 | Between $38,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a sociology research assistant and a professional research assistant in terms of educational background:
| Sociology Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Sociology | Biology |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between sociology research assistants' and professional research assistants' demographics:
| Sociology Research Assistant | Professional Research Assistant | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 30.6% Female, 69.4% | Male, 36.1% Female, 63.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 11.7% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |