Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a social science research assistants in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $64,400/year ($30.96/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $82K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $62,168 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 42.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $64K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About social science research assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level social science research assistants (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $64K.Top earners bring in $82K or more - a $45K 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 |
Track social science research assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social science research assistants make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $64,400 a year - that works out to about $30.96 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,200, and experienced social science research assistants can clear $82,440. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $64K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,209/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 42.3% 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (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 $62,168 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.