Research and development in the social sciences and humanities
NAICS Code: 541720
Industry Insight
The Research and development in the social sciences and humanities industry is classified under NAICS code 541720 and employed approximately 70,000 workers in 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections program. By 2034, BLS projects employment will reach 72,600 — a net change of +2,600 jobs over the decade. That works out to a +3.7% projected growth rate, a measured but positive trajectory.
NAICS 541720 sits within a broader sector ecosystem whose health depends on demographic trends, technology adoption curves, and policy decisions on immigration, tax incentives, and labor regulation. The occupation mix inside Research and development in the social sciences and humanities determines how AI displacement risk filters down to individual workers — industries dominated by clerical and routine analytical roles face the steepest exposure, while those anchored in physical skill, patient care, or creative judgment retain stronger resilience.
Use this industry profile alongside our occupation rankings and employer AI risk grades to build a full picture. The BLS publishes detailed wage and employment figures for each sector in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and Employment Projections programs. The BLS Employment Projections methodology blends input-output modeling, productivity forecasts, and occupational staffing patterns, so estimates are directional rather than precise, and industry-level outcomes depend heavily on macroeconomic conditions that evolve between projection cycles.
Peer Industries by Employment
How Research and development in the social sciences and humanities (NAICS 541720) compares to industries of similar size, ordered by 2024 BLS employment.
| Industry | 2024 | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| RV (recreational vehicle) parks and recreational camps | 73,200 | +0.7% |
| Taxi and limousine service | 71,200 | -4.6% |
| Fuel dealers | 70,300 | -9.4% |
| Research and development in the social sciences and humanities | 70,000 | +3.7% |
| Grain and oilseed milling | 67,400 | +0.5% |
| Television broadcasting stations | 66,900 | -5.6% |
Peers are selected by similarity in 2024 employment. Figures in thousands. Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people work in Research and development in the social sciences and humanities?
As of 2024, the Research and development in the social sciences and humanities industry employs approximately 70,000 workers in the United States, according to BLS Employment Projections data.
Is Research and development in the social sciences and humanities growing or declining?
The Research and development in the social sciences and humanities industry is projected to grow by 3.7% from 2024 to 2034, a net change of +2,600 jobs over the decade.
What jobs are in the Research and development in the social sciences and humanities industry?
The Research and development in the social sciences and humanities industry (NAICS 541720) employs workers across a range of occupations. Browse the full occupations directory to see AI exposure scores, wage data, and growth projections for specific roles common in this industry.
How will AI affect the Research and development in the social sciences and humanities industry?
AI impact on the Research and development in the social sciences and humanities industry depends on the specific occupation mix. Industries with more routine data processing and clerical roles tend to have higher AI displacement risk, while those requiring physical labor, complex judgment, or creative work face lower risk. View occupation-level AI exposure scores for detailed analysis.
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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 Employment figures in thousands. Data reflects projected changes over the 2024–2034 decade