Miscellaneous Social Scientists earn $96,930 median – here's the full 2025 pay picture
Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers – a catch-all for anthropologists, geographers, historians, and other social science specialists – earn a median salary of $96,930 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. That works out to roughly $47 per hour. The typical range runs from $60,440 at the 10th percentile to $161,270 at the 90th, meaning top earners can comfortably clear six figures.
How much Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers earn
The national average (mean) wage for this group is $104,260. Half of all workers make more than $96,930, half less. The bottom 10% earn below $60,440, a sign that entry-level or lower-paying roles (like research assistants in some settings) pull down the floor. At the top end, the highest-paid 10% take home $161,270 or more.
Pay varies by industry and employer. Federal government tends to be on the higher side, while state government and educational services often pay closer to the median. The BLS groups about 55 different detailed occupations under this SOC code, including anthropologists, geographers, historians, political scientists, and sociologists who aren't classified elsewhere. That diversity is reflected in the wide salary spread.
Pay by state
BLS state-level data for this occupation is limited due to confidentiality and small sample sizes in some regions. The highest average wages are typically found in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia – areas with heavy federal government and contracting jobs. Lowest average wages tend to be in states with smaller social science employment, such as Idaho, Montana, and Mississippi. Exact figures for each state are not available from BLS for this mixed category, but national trends suggest a $30,000 to $50,000 gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states.
How to become a Miscellaneous Social Scientist or Related Worker
Almost all positions require at least a master's degree, and many demand a Ph.D. Common fields include anthropology, sociology, geography, history, economics, and political science. A bachelor's degree alone might land an entry-level research assistant role, but career progression usually requires graduate education.
Steps: (1) Earn a bachelor's degree in a social science relevant to your interest. (2) Gain research experience through internships or work as a research assistant. (3) Complete a master's or doctoral degree; Ph.D. often needed for independent research or teaching. (4) Consider certification: the American Anthropological Association offers professional certification for anthropologists, and some geographers pursue GIS certification. (5) Apply for jobs – common employers are think tanks, federal agencies (BLS, Census), state and local government, and universities.
Job outlook
BLS does not publish a projected growth rate for this specific occupation for 2024–2034. However, broader social science occupations are projected to grow about as fast as average (around 5% through 2032). Job opportunities will likely be influenced by federal funding for research and demand for data analysis skills. Competition for academic positions will be strong; applied roles in government and business may offer better prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of jobs are considered 'Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers'?
This BLS category includes anthropologists, archeologists, geographers, historians, political scientists, sociologists, and other social scientists not classified elsewhere. It excludes economists, psychologists, and urban planners, who have separate codes.
Do you need a Ph.D. to make the median salary?
Not necessarily, but a master's degree is the most common entry-level requirement. The median of $96,930 is reachable with a master's plus several years of experience, especially in government consulting. A Ph.D. boosts earning potential, particularly in research universities.
Is this a growing field?
BLS doesn't give a specific growth rate for this group, but overall social science employment is expected to grow about 5% through 2032. Applied fields (like geospatial analysis or policy research) are growing faster than traditional academic posts.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Miscellaneous Social Scientists and Related Workers data.