Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Iowa City, IA
The median pay for a social science research assistants in Iowa City, IA is $41,350/year ($19.88/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $41K at the entry level to $50K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 91.51), which stretches that salary to about $45,186 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $962/month — about 34.1% of take-home, which is tight.
So what does $41K get you in Iowa City?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by Iowa City’s Regional Price Parity (91.51). Rent from HUD Fair Market Rents. Taxes estimated for single filer, standard deduction. * Healthcare is the employee-paid share only (premiums + out-of-pocket). Actual costs vary by coverage type: employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace, or uninsured.
About social science research assistants
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa City, IA
Entry-level social science research assistants (10th percentile) start around $41K. Mid-career wages sit at $41K. Top earners bring in $50K or more, a $8K 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 Iowa City numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social science research assistants make in Iowa City, IA?
The median is $41,350 a year, that works out to about $20 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $41,350, and experienced social science research assistants can clear $49,570. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $41K enough to live in Iowa City?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,778/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $962/month, which eats 34.6% 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 Iowa City?
Iowa City has a Regional Price Parity of 91.51 (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 $45,186 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.