Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Indianapolis, IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN

Median annual salary $49,600 -14.5% vs national
Median hourly $23.85
10th percentile $35,270
90th percentile $66,750
Employed locally 100
National median $58,040

Compare Social Science Research Assistants salary & buying power

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Social Science Research Assistants
in
Indianapolis, IN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,270
    25th
    $38,110
    50th (median)
    $49,600
    75th
    $56,710
    90th
    $66,750

    Indianapolis economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $77,065 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 64% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 36% 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
    Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN $80,870
    Bowling Green, KY $80,340
    South Carolina $66,990
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $64,400
    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $63,790
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $62,800

    Related occupations in Indianapolis, IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $81,210
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $77,480
    Chemists $74,260
    Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $59,170
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $86,380
    Physical Scientists, All Other $62,910

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Indianapolis, IN is $23.85, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $66.74 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Indianapolis, IN is 14.5% 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 Indianapolis?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $35,270 per year in Indianapolis, IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,110.