How to become a social policy researcher, consultant or program officer
Official title: Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Also called: Peace researcher, Social researcher, Poverty researcher, Citizenship officer, Human rights officer, Labour policy analyst, Labour policy officer, Social policy advisor, Social policy analyst, Housing policy analyst, Immigration consultant, Native affairs officer
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, develop policy and implement or administer programs in areas such as consumer affairs, employment, home economics, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour, family services, foreign aid and international development. They are employed by government departments and agencies, hospitals, educational institutions, consulting establishments, professional associations, research institutes, non-government organizations and international organizations or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Social policy researchers
- Develop social programs and policies, social legislation, or proposals based on demographic, social and economic research, analysis and the evaluation of pilot projects
- Home economists
- Advise and assist consumers on the selection and proper use of food products, textiles and other consumer goods and teach household management skills. They may also provide consultative services in the areas of development and promotion of new food products, retail buying, social program administration and small business endeavours
- Housing policy analysts
- Identify and assess economic, demographic, and social developments and report on their implications for housing policy
- Immigration and citizenship consultants
- Conduct research, advise clients and prepare immigration, citizenship and visas applications. They may also represent clients at tribunals and before administrative bodies
How to become one
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a social science or related discipline, or in business administration is usually required. A master's degree in a social science or related discipline or in business administration may be required. Home economists require a bachelor's degree in home economics, home economics education, human ecology, nutrition and food sciences or family and consumer studies. Registration is available, but voluntary, for home economists but the use of the designation "Professional Home Economist" is regulated in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and "Registered Professional Home Economist" in British Columbia. Registration with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council is required for regulated Canadian immigration consultants.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $82,992 a year The middle half earn $64,994 to $100,484.
- About 80,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 90,500 are projected by 2033. (+12.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
- Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
- Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a social policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a social science or related discipline, or in business administration is usually required. A master's degree in a social science or related discipline or in business administration may be required. Home economists require a bachelor's degree in home economics, home economics education, human ecology, nutrition and food sciences or family and consumer studies. Registration is available, but voluntary, for home economists but the use of the designation "Professional Home Economist" is regulated in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and "Registered Professional Home Economist" in British Columbia. Registration with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council is required for regulated Canadian immigration consultants.
How much does a social policy researcher, consultant or program officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $82,992 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $64,994 to $100,484.
Is a social policy researcher, consultant or program officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2033, from about 80,400 to about 90,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a social policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
Usually. 78% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03