We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Social Science Jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
The social sciences are more than just academic fields like psychology and sociology. They also encompass careers that employ social science principles and methodologies. For example, political pollsters work to discern public opinions through statistics, which is a field that relies heavily on the principles of the social sciences.
Other jobs in the social sciences can include working for the federal government, research companies, or non-profit organizations.
To enter these careers, it is important to know where the top-paying jobs are and what certifications you need to secure them.
This article will break down the highest-paying social science jobs and give you information about how much money you can make in these careers if you so choose.
Here are the highest-paying jobs for social science majors.
Here is a video summary based on this article
Table of Contents
#10. Social Media Manager
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $81,000 per year
- Median Pay: $52,883 per year
What do they do?
Social media managers are experts in social media marketing and management. They are responsible for creating, managing, and implementing social media campaigns.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This job requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or any other related field. In some cases, employers may accept a 3-year associate’s degree from an accredited university instead of a bachelor’s degree.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Social media managers work in many industries, including marketing, advertising, public relations, and journalism. Some will also work for small businesses or start-ups where they will be responsible for all aspects of their social media presence.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The fastest way to get this job is to gain experience managing social media accounts for other companies or individuals. You’ll need proficiency with various platforms and tools, as well as an understanding of how brands are supposed to interact with consumers and each other online.
What’s it like to be a social media manager?
#9. Sociologists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $41,000 per year
- High Range: $137,000 per year
- Median Pay: $55,305 per year
What do they do?
Sociologists study human society and culture. They may work with communities or organizations to help them better understand their own behaviors. These professionals may also study larger populations, like groups of people who share a common characteristic (such as ethnicity or gender).
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers prefer candidates with at least five years of experience, but it’s possible to start in this field with less. Some employers go for candidates with an advanced sociology degree, but some will hire those with just a bachelor’s degree in social sciences.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Sociologists work all over the world in:
- Schools and universities.
- Government agencies.
- Non-profits.
- Think tanks.
- Businesses.
What is the best way to get this job?
One way to get this job is by getting your bachelor’s degree in sociology or another social science field from a college or university. After graduation, consider taking some advanced courses to show employers that you are an expert in this field.
Should you become a sociologist?
#8. Survey Researcher
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $37,000 per year
- High Range: $93,000 per year
- Median Pay: $59,187 per year
What do they do?
Survey researchers are people who collect and analyze data, usually for marketing or opinion research. They may survey customers, employees, or the general public. These researchers may also build surveys that help companies learn about their customers and make decisions based on customer feedback.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers prefer survey researchers with at least three years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in statistics or social science. Many employers also prefer candidates who have completed a master’s degree program in survey research or a related social science degree.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
They can work for consulting companies that provide services to businesses or academic institutions conducting research projects for their students.
What is the best way to get this job?
Once you have your degree, you can start as an assistant or a junior analyst. You can then move up the ladder to this position.
What’s it like to be a survey researcher?
#7. Police Officer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $52,949 per year
- High Range: $70,716 per year
- Median Pay: $60,400 per year
What do they do?
Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws, preserving peace and order, and protecting the rights of citizens.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers are looking for applicants with a high school diploma in social sciences and some prior experience working in law enforcement (like as a security guard).
As far as skill sets go, employers are looking for candidates who can communicate well in stressful situations, resolve disputes without violence, and keep themselves safe.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
They work in law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments or state police agencies. Police officers may also be employed by other municipal agencies, such as county sheriffs’ offices or transit police.
What is the best way to get this job?
If you want to become an officer, you’ll need to have at least two years of experience in law enforcement or security work and be able to pass a written exam and a physical fitness test. Once you get hired, there will be ongoing training programs that teach you how to use firearms and other weapons as well as how to administer first aid.
What’s it like to be a police officer?
#6. Anthropologist & Archaeologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Low Range: $37,870 per year
- High Range: $99,830 per year
- Median Pay: $61,910 per year
What do they do?
Anthropologists and archeologists are experts in the study of human culture and behavior. They might study how people lived in the past or how they live now, depending on their field. In this way, they can help us understand our own lives better and learn about our history.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in anthropology or archaeology before you get serious about applying for jobs as an anthropologist or archaeologist. Employers will want to see that you’ve taken advanced classes in these subjects as well.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Anthropologists and archeologists can work anywhere, from museums to universities to government agencies (like national parks).
What is the best way to get this job?
If you want to get started on this career path, it’s best to get involved in internships or volunteer opportunities early. This will help you build your resume before applying for full-time jobs later on.
Should you become an anthropologist or archeologist?
#5. Political Scientist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $18,500 per year
- High Range: $150,500 per year
- Median Pay: $64,894 per year
What do they do?
A political scientist works with policymakers and legislators to determine potential courses of action on war, health care reform, trade, and taxation. They evaluate public opinion on these issues using surveys, polls, and other similar tools.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Hiring managers tend to favor political scientists with some sort of experience within their specific subfield. For example, if you want to work in international relations as opposed to domestic relations, it helps if your resume shows that.
Aspiring political scientists should have a bachelor’s degree in political science or related subjects, along with a master’s degree in political science.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Political scientists work in research institutions, non-profit organizations, universities, and the federal government.
What is the best way to get this job?
The fastest way to get this job is to network with people who already work in the field or apply directly through an employer’s website. Then make sure you stand out from other applicants by showing off your experience with political systems and other areas in this field.
Should you become a political scientist?
#4. Intelligence Analyst
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $46,000 per year
- High Range: $111,000 per year
- Median Pay: $72,692 per year
What do they do?
Intelligence analysts are responsible for collecting information and analyzing it to understand what’s happening and why. They work with data, maps, charts, and other visualizations to make sense of what’s going on in the world around us.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These analysts have at least an undergraduate social science degree (usually in political science), but many employers prefer applicants with an MBA or other graduate degrees. You need excellent critical thinking skills to work well in this field.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Intelligence analysts work in different roles—from government agencies like the CIA to private companies like Google.
What is the best way to get this job?
There are many ways to get into this field: internships are always available at local police departments and military bases. If you have connections with someone who works in this field, they might be able to get you an interview.
What’s it like to be an intelligence analyst?
#3. Geographer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $59,221 per year
- High Range: $112,981 per year
- Median Pay: $73,670 per year
What do they do?
Geographers study and map the earth’s surface. They help us understand the natural world around us, including how it changes over time and how people interact with it. These professionals can even help us predict future events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Some geographers have only a bachelor’s degree in geography. Others have advanced degrees in related fields like urban planning or environmental science.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Geographers work in various fields, including business, government, and non-profit organizations. Some work as researchers, while others work as cartographers or environmental consultants.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get this job by getting an education first. You should start out by taking classes at your local community college or university until you’ve earned enough credits for your degree program.
Once you have your degree, find an internship at an organization that interests you since many employers hire interns into full-time positions upon graduation.
Should you become a geographer?
#2. Economists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $71,000 per year
- High Range: $164,000 per year
- Median Pay: $101,905 per year
What do they do?
Economists are responsible for understanding how the economy works and advising others on how to make it work better. They help companies and governments understand whether certain decisions are worthwhile. Economists also study historical economic trends to predict future trends and develop strategies for dealing with them.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree in economics, but some prefer applicants with a Ph.D. Some employers even require experience working as an economist before considering you for a job.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Economists work in various industries, including:
- Finance and banking.
- Retailing and consumer goods
- Manufacturing.
- Technology.
- Telecommunications.
- Health care.
- Consulting service.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can get an economist job by getting an economics degree from a good school. You’ll also want to showcase your skills through internships or volunteer work that shows you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this field.
Should you become an economist?
#1. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $26,500 per year
- High Range: $153,000 per year
- Median Pay: $116,471 per year
What do they do?
Industrial-organizational psychologists are devoted to improving workplace productivity by developing tools and methods for measuring and improving employee performance. They use their expertise in psychology to understand human behavior and how it affects the workplace.
Their job responsibilities may include:
- Assessing employee performance and identifying areas that need improvement.
- Conducting training programs that help employees improve their skills.
- Working with executives to determine ways to increase employee satisfaction and productivity.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You’ll need at least a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology, but experience is what employers are looking for. If you’ve got a few years of experience under your belt, you’ll be able to apply for higher-level positions—and earn more money.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Industrial-organizational psychologists may work at universities or non-profit organizations that focus on research related to human resources management.
What is the best way to get this job?
The fastest way to get this job is to earn a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology (IOP). You need to have a good grasp of human behavior and how it affects productivity. Since employers prefer applicants with at least five years of experience, consider working as an intern under other professionals.
Should you become an industrial-organizational psychologist?
Conclusion
The highest-paying social science jobs are not always the most glamorous, but sometimes a big paycheck is better than a more creative or enterprising job.
I really enjoyed your article, thank you so much for posting it. I have learned a lot from it. Please write more on this kind of topic. Thankyou
That was really a great article. Thanks for sharing the information. Continue doing this.
Your Blog is very nice.
Wish to see much more like this. Thanks for sharing your information
Enjoyed reading the article above , really explains everything in detail, the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck in the upcoming articles
Thank you for the kind words.