Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
The median pay for a social science research assistants in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $60,110/year ($28.9/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.27), so that salary is closer to $55,519 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,941/month — about 74.5% of take-home, which is tight.
So what does $60K get you in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by Boston-Cambridge-Newton’s Regional Price Parity (108.27). Rent from HUD Fair Market Rents. Taxes estimated for single filer, standard deduction.
About social science research assistants
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Entry-level social science research assistants (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $60K. Top earners bring in $79K or more, a $33K spread from bottom to top.
Social Science Research Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $71K | +22% | 150 |
| South Carolina | $67K | +15% | 840 |
| Kansas | $64K | +10% | 170 |
| Georgia | $64K | +10% | 2,040 |
| District of Columbia | $64K | +10% | 1,740 |
| Kentucky | $63K | +8% | 1,100 |
| Maryland | $62K | +7% | 710 |
| New York | $60K | +4% | 2,990 |
| Massachusetts | $60K | +4% | N/A |
| Arizona | $59K | +2% | 670 |
| North Carolina | $58K | +1% | 3,470 |
| Oregon | $58K | -0% | 170 |
| Oklahoma | $57K | -2% | 120 |
| New Jersey | $56K | -3% | 320 |
| Florida | $56K | -4% | 1,090 |
| Texas | $55K | -4% | 1,430 |
| Pennsylvania | $55K | -5% | 1,270 |
| Illinois | $55K | -6% | 230 |
| Louisiana | $53K | -9% | 200 |
| New Hampshire | $53K | -9% | 120 |
| West Virginia | $53K | -9% | 440 |
| Nebraska | $52K | -11% | 250 |
| Michigan | $52K | -11% | 670 |
| Missouri | $52K | -11% | N/A |
| Idaho | $52K | -11% | 200 |
| Virginia | $50K | -14% | 510 |
| Indiana | $50K | -14% | 200 |
| Connecticut | $50K | -14% | 50 |
| Washington | $50K | -14% | 500 |
| California | $49K | -16% | 5,610 |
| Rhode Island | $49K | -16% | 200 |
| Maine | $48K | -17% | 120 |
| Wisconsin | $47K | -18% | 100 |
| Montana | $47K | -19% | 70 |
| Minnesota | $47K | -20% | 60 |
| Vermont | $45K | -23% | 40 |
| New Mexico | $44K | -24% | 110 |
| Tennessee | $38K | -35% | 110 |
| Iowa | $31K | -46% | 150 |
Showing 1–10 of 39 states
BLS does not publish data for every state when sample sizes are too small
Track social science research assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Boston-Cambridge-Newton numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social science research assistants make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median is $60,110 a year, that works out to about $29 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,080, and experienced social science research assistants can clear $79,460. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $60K enough to live in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,944/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,941/month, which eats 74.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a social science research assistants salary go in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton has a Regional Price Parity of 108.27 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median social science research assistants salary is worth about $55,519 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do social science research assistants get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.