Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $62,800 +8.2% vs national
Median hourly $30.19
10th percentile $45,420
90th percentile $106,970
Employed locally 2,300
National median $58,040

Compare Social Science Research Assistants salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Social Science Research Assistants
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $45,420
    25th
    $54,450
    50th (median)
    $62,800
    75th
    $78,550
    90th
    $106,970

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Social Science Research Assistants salary vs area income 51% Median Social Science Research Assistants salary is 49% 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$137,610
    Biological Scientists, All Other$105,580
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$112,120
    Economists$157,980
    Political Scientists$153,340
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$109,520

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $30.19, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $53.86 or more per hour.

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

    The median Social Science Research Assistants salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 8.2% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $45,420 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $54,450.