Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $62,870 +8.3% vs national
Median hourly $30.23
10th percentile $54,500
90th percentile $95,180
Employed locally 40
National median $58,040

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Social Science Research Assistants
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Santa Maria, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $54,500
    25th
    $60,820
    50th (median)
    $62,870
    75th
    $77,670
    90th
    $95,180

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 66% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 34% 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
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $60,110
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $58,920
    North Carolina $58,410

    Related occupations in Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $105,750
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $131,170
    Biological Scientists, All Other $111,220
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $100,240
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $95,100
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $92,790

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Santa Maria, CA is $30.23, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $45.76 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Santa Maria, CA is 8.3% 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 Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $54,500 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,820.