SOC 19-4061
Social Science Research Assistants
Risk Score
⚠️58/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥32,940
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$58K
$36K – $101K
Projected Growth
📈+4.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖84/100
High exposure
💡 Social Science Research Assistants face a risk score of 58/100 — 14 points above the national average of 44. With 84/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $58K ($12K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 58/100, Social Science Research Assistants faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai-accelerated data analysis and pattern recognition are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 32,940 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in designing novel experiments and research methodologies and ethical oversight of research involving human subjects to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Social Science Research Assistants?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI-accelerated data analysis and pattern recognition
Large language model automation of analysis tasks
Robotic sample preparation and experimentation
Generative AI producing marketing and creative copy
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Designing novel experiments and research methodologies
Ethical oversight of research involving human subjects
Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise
Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 74% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 81% |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians | 26 | $79K | 79% |