As of June 2026, Social Science Research Assistants has an AI-exposure score of 75/100 (Very High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Social Science Research Assistants
More exposed than 95% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$61,990. About 5,200 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Science roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Track laboratory supplies and expenses such as participant reimbursement.
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Code data in preparation for computer entry.
- Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.
- Recruit and schedule research participants.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.
- Supervise the work of survey interviewers.
- Conduct internet-based and library research.
- Present research findings to groups of people.
- Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
- Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.
- Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.
- Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (75%).
Safer adjacent roles
Your AI-Safe Career Report
Every task scored with what to do about it · 5–10 safer roles with salary, demand & reachability · skill-gap map · a 30/60/90-day roadmap · plus a résumé & LinkedIn rewrite · PDF.
Grounded in O*NET + the Anthropic Economic Index + BLS — personalized to your role.
AI was the most-cited reason for U.S. layoffs through mid-2026 — the workers who adapt earliest fare best. — Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2026The upside: Workers with AI skills earn a roughly 62% wage premium — adapting pays. — PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, 2026
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