The social sciences are among the fastest-growing job sectors today.
This industry is dedicated to examining society and relationships, focusing on how people behave, interact, develop, and influence their environment.
Social science jobs include everything from anthropology and sociology to psychology and political science.
Are you trying to figure out if a social science career is right for you?
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of choosing one of the following social science jobs.
1. Police Officer
Why Become a Police Officer?
If you dream about saving lives and bringing justice to your city, then you might want to become a police officer.
This job offers many gratifying opportunities to help people, prevent harm, and solve community problems in a fast-paced, constantly changing work environment.
In addition, many police officers have incredible pensions and retirement packages that allow them to retire early.
| Police Officer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $70,750 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $34.02 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 5% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Police Officer
2. Psychologist
Why Become a Psychologist?
The human mind is fascinating, which is why you may be drawn to this career.
Psychology offers a flexible work schedule, where you can choose to work solo or with a team.
This career also presents a variety of career paths, including specialties in trauma, personality, addictions, and more.
You’ll be helping people understand themselves and heal from past wounds, which makes work that much more rewarding.
| Psychologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $70,750 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $34.02 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 14% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Psychologist
3. Social Worker
Why Become a Social Worker?
The human mind is fascinating, which is why you may be drawn to this career.
Psychology offers a flexible work schedule, where you can choose to work solo or with a team.
This career also presents a variety of career paths, including specialties in trauma, personality, addictions, and more.
You’ll be helping people understand themselves and heal from past wounds, which makes work that much more rewarding.
| Social Worker Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $63,010 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $30.29 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 8.3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Social Worker
4. Medical Researcher
Why Become a Medical Researcher?
Medical researchers study diseases, medical procedures, and other health issues to discover treatments, medicines, potential cures, and better procedures.
If you’re interested in health and science but don’t want to see patients as a medical doctor, this could be a good career for you.
In this position, you can contribute to improving people’s health, saving lives, and increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the medical field, all while making a pretty penny.
| Medical Researcher Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $87,820 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $42.22 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Medical Researcher
5. Charity Director
Why Become a Charity Director?
Do you have a passion for supporting nonprofit organizations and charities?
Charity directors are responsible for promoting their cause to the public and fundraising through grants, donations, memberships, etc.
Their #1 goal is to increase revenue, so their organization can complete its mission.
You can choose from one of many organizations out there, ranging from animal shelters and disaster relief to environmental conservation and museum/art galleries.
| Charity Director Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $115,250 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $55.41 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 16% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Charity Director
6. Human Resources Manager
Why Become a Human Resources Manager?
Human resources managers are the glue of a company, and if you love working with people, it could be the top career pick for you.
HR managers create and develop programs that concentrate on enhancing individual employee performance and overall company culture and success.
As an HR manager, you have the chance to make employees happier on the job and proactively solve company problems before they grow into larger issues.
| Human Resources Manager Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $136,590 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $65.67 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 7% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Human Resources Manager
7. Lawyer
Why Become a Lawyer?
Lawyers benefit from high earning potential, professional status, and a broad range of specialties to choose from, including defense, business, family, personal injury, entertainment, medical malpractice, etc.
If you love problem-solving, analysis, innovation, and acquiring justice for those who can’t help themselves, you’ll love being a lawyer.
And if you decide to switch careers, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is easily transferable, allowing you to enter other careers, like legal consulting or mediation.
| Lawyer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $148,030 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $71.17 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8.2% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Lawyer
8. Public Relations Manager
Why Become a Public Relations Manager?
Are you a natural communicator?
Do you love multitasking, public speaking, and digital media?
This job might be a good fit.
Public relations managers maintain a company’s image using the right messaging via press releases, events, media campaigns, etc.
A successful PR manager boosts brand credibility, increases profits, enhances online presence, and improves overall reputation.
Many degrees can lead to PR work, including Journalism and Communications to English and Business.
You can also work in a variety of industries.
| Public Relations Manager Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $132,800 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $63.85 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 13% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Public Relations Manager
9. Marketing Manager
Why Become a Marketing Manager?
With diverse projects, fast career advancement with unlimited salary increases, and challenging deadlines, you’ll be too busy to ever get bored as a marketing manager.
If you love the idea of being a team leader, pitching projects, and connecting with tons of people, you might want to consider this career path.
You can choose from a variety of industries because every business and industry needs marketing help!
| Marketing Manager Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $153,440 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $73.77 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 10.1% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Marketing Manager
10. Urban Planner
Why Become an Urban Planner?
If you enjoy negotiation, problem-solving, traveling, and large-scale organizing, then you should consider this job.
Urban planning involves designing and arranging buildings, transportation systems, and public areas to benefit a city.
You won’t be stuck in an office all the time, because you’ll be out inspecting sites, collecting data, or chatting with community members to gain insight.
| Urban Planner Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $81,310 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $39.09 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 12.8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Urban Planner
11. Financial Analyst
Why Become a Financial Analyst?
Financial analysts help companies make wise money management decisions that lead to a bright future.
This could be an excellent career for you if you love working with numbers and understand how to invest and manage finances.
With this job, you’ll have a position of influence within an organization, and you’ll also learn more about how to manage your own finances.
| Financial Analyst Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $81,310 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $39.09 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 10.8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Financial Analyst
