Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Iowa City, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Iowa City, IA

Median annual salary $41,350 -28.8% vs national
Median hourly $19.88
10th percentile $41,350
90th percentile $49,570
Employed locally 50
National median $58,040

Compare Social Science Research Assistants salary & buying power

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Social Science Research Assistants
in
Iowa City, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $41,350
    25th
    $41,350
    50th (median)
    $41,350
    75th
    $49,570
    90th
    $49,570

    Iowa City economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $74,142 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 56% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 44% 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
    Columbia, MO $65,050
    Georgia $63,790
    District of Columbia $63,630
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $62,870
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $62,800

    Related occupations in Iowa City, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $85,010
    Biological Technicians $51,300
    Biological Scientists, All Other $66,080
    Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $60,330
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $77,510
    Agricultural Technicians $54,320

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Iowa City, IA is $19.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.83 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Iowa City, IA is 28.8% 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 Iowa City?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $41,350 per year in Iowa City, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $41,350.