Salary guide
Social Science Research Assistant Salary & Pay Scale (2026)
What social science research assistants earn per year, per hour and per month, with the full percentile range, the factors that move pay and how to earn more.
The median social science research assistant salary in the U.S. is $61,990 per year, or $29.81 per hour, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $38,090, while the top 10% earned more than $102,070.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
Social Science Research Assistant pay scale
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly* | What it usually reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,090 | $18.31 | Typical for new workers, part-time markets and lower-paying settings |
| 25th percentile | $48,620 | $23.38 | Early career, a year or two of experience |
| Median (50th) | $61,990 | $29.80 | Mid-career: half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $77,760 | $37.38 | Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers |
| 90th percentile | $102,070 | $49.07 | Top earners: senior, specialized, supervisory or high-cost areas |
*Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. Percentile descriptions are general patterns, not guarantees.
Monthly and biweekly pay
| Pay period | At 25th percentile | At median | At 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per year | $48,620 | $61,990 | $77,760 |
| Per month | $4,052 | $5,166 | $6,480 |
| Every two weeks | $1,870 | $2,384 | $2,991 |
| Per week | $935 | $1,192 | $1,495 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
What affects social science research assistant pay
- Education level (associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree)
- Industry (semiconductors, energy, pharmaceuticals and federal labs often pay more)
- Licenses and certifications such as the PE, FE or ASCP
- Specialized instruments, software and regulated-lab experience
- Geography and cost of living: metropolitan areas and some states pay well above the national median
How to earn more as a social science research assistant
- Get credentialed: CITI human subjects training, Statistics course, R or SPSS certificate.
- Build specialty experience: Manage studies.
- Move up: roles such as research associate and graduate student or researcher typically pay more.
- Negotiate: research local pay and use our salary negotiation guide.
Social Science Research Assistant pay vs. related careers
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of social science research assistants to change by +5.0% from 2025–35, faster than average compared with the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 4,900 openings are projected each year, on average, including openings to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
About this data
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025), which covers wage and salary workers nationwide under SOC code 19-4061 (“Social science research assistants”). Wages exclude self-employment income, overtime and most bonuses unless they are part of regular pay. We refresh these numbers when BLS releases new estimates each spring.
Social Science Research Assistant salary FAQ
How much does a social science research assistant make per hour?
The median hourly wage for social science research assistants was $29.81 in May 2025 (BLS). Hourly pay for the lowest 10% was about $18.31 and the top 10% earned about $49.07 or more.
How much does a social science research assistant make a month?
At the median annual wage of $61,990, that works out to about $5,166 per month before taxes, or about $2,384 every two weeks.
What is the starting salary for a social science research assistant?
New social science research assistants often start near the lower end of the range. The 10th percentile was $38,090 and the 25th percentile was $48,620 per year in May 2025. Starting pay depends on location, employer and credentials.
How can social science research assistants earn more?
Common ways include earning CITI human subjects training and Statistics course, gaining specialty experience, taking shifts or roles with premium pay, and moving up the career ladder to roles such as research associate.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-4061 (Social science research assistants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Social science research assistants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.