Social Science Research Assistants Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a social science research assistants in U.S. is $58,040/year ($27.9/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $101K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $58K get you in U.S.?
About social science research assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level social science research assistants (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $58K.Top earners bring in $101K or more - a $64K 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 U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social science research assistants make in U.S.?
The median is $58,040 a year - that works out to about $27.9 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,410, and experienced social science research assistants can clear $100,620. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $58K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,056/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 34.8% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $58,040 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.