Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Richmond, VA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Richmond, VA

Median annual salary $46,410 -20% vs national
Median hourly $22.31
10th percentile $37,360
90th percentile $65,400
Employed locally 100
National median $58,040

Compare Social Science Research Assistants salary & buying power

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Social Science Research Assistants
in
Richmond, VA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,360
    25th
    $37,360
    50th (median)
    $46,410
    75th
    $58,150
    90th
    $65,400

    Richmond economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,405 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 55% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 45% 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
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $62,800
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $59,120
    Pennsylvania $54,940
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $51,840
    Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC $50,270
    Charlottesville, VA $50,160

    Related occupations in Richmond, VA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $78,140
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $79,100
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $76,540
    Biological Technicians $61,370
    Urban and Regional Planners $74,020
    Chemists $82,670

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Richmond, VA is $22.31, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.69 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Richmond, VA is 20% 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 Richmond?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $37,360 per year in Richmond, VA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,360.