Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Columbia, MO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, MO

Median annual salary $65,050 +12.1% vs national
Median hourly $31.28
10th percentile $50,390
90th percentile $80,850
Employed locally 160
National median $58,040

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Social Science Research Assistants
in
Columbia, MO
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,390
    25th
    $65,050
    50th (median)
    $65,050
    75th
    $80,850
    90th
    $80,850

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,463 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 94% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 6% 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
    Kansas City, MO-KS $63,110
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $62,010
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $56,740
    St. Louis, MO-IL $51,520
    Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC $48,380
    Montana $46,810

    Related occupations in Columbia, MO

    OccupationMedian salary
    Chemists$82,300
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$87,190
    Biological Technicians$39,560
    Biological Scientists, All Other$72,550
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$66,200
    Chemical Technicians$63,310

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Columbia, MO is $31.28, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.87 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Columbia, MO is 12.1% above 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 Columbia?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $50,390 per year in Columbia, MO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $65,050.