Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
The median pay for a social science research assistants in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $63,160/year ($30.36/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 98.16), that's roughly $64,344 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,750/month — about 41.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $63K get you in Raleigh-Cary?
About social science research assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Raleigh-Cary, NC
Entry-level social science research assistants (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $63K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $31K 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 Raleigh-Cary numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social science research assistants make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median is $63,160 a year - that works out to about $30.36 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $47,650, and experienced social science research assistants can clear $79,110. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $63K enough to live in Raleigh-Cary?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,162/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,750/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 42% 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 Raleigh-Cary?
Raleigh-Cary has a Regional Price Parity of 98.16 (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 $64,344 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.