Social Science Research Assistants Salary in California
The median pay for a social science research assistants in California is $48,720/year ($23.42/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $106K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across California. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $49K get you in California?
About social science research assistants
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level social science research assistants (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $49K. Top earners bring in $106K or more, a $70K spread from bottom to top.
Social Science Research Assistants salary by metro in California
8 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $63K | +29% | 40 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $57K | +16% | 810 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $52K | +6% | 340 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $49K | +1% | 2,140 |
| Vallejo | $49K | +1% | 60 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $45K | -7% | 660 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $44K | -9% | 240 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $38K | -22% | 60 |
Compare to other states
Track social science research assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social science research assistants make in California?
The median is $48,720 a year, that works out to about $23 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,310, and experienced social science research assistants can clear $105,930. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $49K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,331/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,471/month, which eats 74.2% 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 California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median social science research assistants salary is worth about $45,902 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.