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Social Science Research Assistants Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Social Science Research Assistants make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,250
Median Annual Salary
▲
+23.7% vs 2024
$70,260
Mean Salary
$60,250
Median Salary
$28.97
Hourly Rate
5,300 people work as Social Science Research Assistants in California
Social Science Research Assistants salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Social Science Research Assistants in California earn a median salary of $60,250 per year ($5,020/month).
This is 6.5% above the national average of $56,547.
California ranks #19 out of 45 states for Social Science Research Assistants pay.
Approximately 5,300 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 23.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Social Science Research Assistants
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
3.75
Writing
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75
Speaking
3.38
Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
4.25
Computers and Electronics
3.47
Administrative
3.24
Mathematics
3.09
Customer and Personal Service
3.02
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(52.7% of workers)
Salary Range: Social Science Research Assistants in California
Salaries for Social Science Research Assistants in California range from $38,060 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $117,070 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $41,670 and $84,990.
Median $60,250
P10: $38,060P25: $41,670P75: $84,990P90: $117,070
10th
$38,060
25th
$41,670
Median
$60,250
75th
$84,990
90th
$117,070
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,060
$18.30
$3,171
25th Percentile
$41,670
$20.03
$3,472
Median (50th)
$60,250
$28.97
$5,020
75th Percentile
$84,990
$40.86
$7,082
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$117,070
$56.28
$9,755
Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#19
California ranks #19 of 45 states
$56,547
National avg. for Social Science Research Assistants
How much do Social Science Research Assistants make in California?
The median annual salary for Social Science Research Assistants in California is $60,250 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,260.
What is the salary range for a Social Science Research Assistants in California?
Salaries for Social Science Research Assistants in California range from $38,060 at the 10th percentile to $117,070 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $41,670 and $84,990.
What is the starting salary for a Social Science Research Assistants in California?
Entry-level Social Science Research Assistants positions in California typically start around $38,060 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $41,670 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Social Science Research Assistants in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 5,300 people are employed as Social Science Research Assistants in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Social Science Research Assistants in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Social Science Research Assistants in California is approximately $28.97 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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