Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $49,890 -14% vs national
Median hourly $23.99
10th percentile $41,660
90th percentile $74,630
Employed locally 340
National median $58,040

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Social Science Research Assistants
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Seattle, WA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $41,660
    25th
    $43,080
    50th (median)
    $49,890
    75th
    $56,830
    90th
    $74,630

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 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
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $62,800
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $62,330
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $59,120
    Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $56,870
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $53,260
    Washington $49,890

    Related occupations in Seattle, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $101,500
    Biological Technicians $58,090
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $98,950
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $99,680
    Urban and Regional Planners $103,410
    Biological Scientists, All Other $98,750

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Seattle, WA is $23.99, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.69 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Seattle, WA is 14% 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 Seattle?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $41,660 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $43,080.