Social Science Research Assistants Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $45,080 -22.3% vs national
Median hourly $21.68
10th percentile $36,330
90th percentile $127,290
Employed locally 660
National median $58,040

Compare Social Science Research Assistants salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how San Diego, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Social Science Research Assistants
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San Diego, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,330
    25th
    $36,340
    50th (median)
    $45,080
    75th
    $64,070
    90th
    $127,290

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 44% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 56% 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
    South Carolina $66,990
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $64,400
    Raleigh-Cary, NC $63,160
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $62,870
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $60,110
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $58,920

    Related occupations in San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $128,270
    Biological Scientists, All Other $105,160
    Biological Technicians $61,070
    Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $65,560
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $99,990
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $97,300

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in San Diego, CA is $21.68, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $62.10 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in San Diego, CA is 22.3% 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 San Diego?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $36,330 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,340.