Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $56,540 -2.6% vs national
Median hourly $27.18
10th percentile $38,140
90th percentile $128,380
Employed locally 90
National median $58,040

Compare Social Science Research Assistants salary & buying power

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Social Science Research Assistants
in
Charleston, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,140
    25th
    $50,370
    50th (median)
    $56,540
    75th
    $72,610
    90th
    $128,380

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 69% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 31% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Social Science Research Assistants

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Flagstaff, AZ $86,020
    Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN $80,870
    Bowling Green, KY $80,340
    Ohio $70,670
    Columbia, SC $69,110
    South Carolina $66,990

    Nearby metros — Social Science Research Assistants salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Columbia, SC $69,110
    Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC $65,700
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $58,200
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $56,740
    Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $48,380
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $48,090

    Related occupations in Charleston, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $87,240
    Chemical Technicians $60,790
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $55,200
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $105,160
    School Psychologists $83,210
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $79,470

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Social Science Research Assistants make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Charleston, SC is $27.18, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $53.78 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Social Science Research Assistants salaries?

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Charleston, SC is 2.6% below the national median of $58,040. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Social Science Research Assistants in Charleston?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $38,140 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,370.