Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Columbia, SC
The median pay for a social science research assistants in Columbia, SC is $69,110/year ($33.22/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $122K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 93.66), which stretches that salary to about $73,788 in buying power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,276/month, or 28.1% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $69K get you in Columbia?
About social science research assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Columbia, SC
Entry-level social science research assistants (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $69K.Top earners bring in $122K or more - a $85K 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 Columbia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social science research assistants make in Columbia, SC?
The median is $69,110 a year - that works out to about $33.22 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,390, and experienced social science research assistants can clear $122,120. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $69K enough to live in Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,517/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,276/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 28.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a social science research assistants salary go in Columbia?
Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 93.66 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median social science research assistants salary is worth about $73,788 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.