Social Science Research Assistant Salary in 2026
How Much Do Social Science Research Assistants Make?
Social Science Research Assistants earn a median annual salary of $58,040 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $36,410 at the 10th percentile to $100,620 at the 90th percentile — a range of $64,210. The highest-paying state is Ohio at $70,670.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,410 |
| 25th percentile | $46,190 |
| Median (50th) | $58,040 |
| 75th percentile | $73,060 |
| 90th percentile | $100,620 |
Social Science Research Assistant Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Ohiotop | $70,670 |
| South Carolina | $66,990 |
| Kansas | $64,080 |
| Georgia | $63,790 |
| District of Columbia | $63,630 |
| Kentucky | $62,800 |
| Maryland | $61,830 |
| Massachusetts | $60,110 |
| New York | $60,110 |
| Arizona | $59,130 |
| North Carolina | $58,410 |
| Oregon | $57,800 |
| Oklahoma | $56,790 |
| New Jersey | $56,350 |
| Florida | $55,980 |
| Texas | $55,430 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,940 |
| Illinois | $54,720 |
| Louisiana | $52,770 |
| New Hampshire | $52,650 |
| West Virginia | $52,630 |
| Nebraska | $51,860 |
| Michigan | $51,800 |
| Missouri | $51,520 |
| Idaho | $51,500 |
| Virginia | $50,160 |
| Indiana | $50,130 |
| Connecticut | $49,990 |
| Washington | $49,890 |
| California | $48,720 |
| Rhode Island | $48,710 |
| Colorado | $48,390 |
| Maine | $47,910 |
| Wisconsin | $47,380 |
| Montana | $46,810 |
| Minnesota | $46,630 |
| Vermont | $44,940 |
| New Mexico | $44,390 |
| Tennessee | $37,860 |
| Iowa | $31,150 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Social Science Research Assistants
Social Science Research Assistant Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$36,410 – $46,190 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$58,040 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$73,060 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $100,620+ |
How to Earn More as a Social Science Research Assistant
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Social Science Research Assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN earn $80,870 — $22,830 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($73,060) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Social Science Research Assistant Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Social Science Research Assistantthis career | $58,040 |
| Education Administrator | $103,960 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $161,180 |
| Management Analyst | $101,190 |
| Health Informatics Specialist | $103,790 |
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SOC: 19-4061.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.