Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Vermont: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

What does a Social Science Research Assistants salary really buy you in Vermont?

Vermont is near the US average cost of living

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary

$44,940

Median annual (2024)

→ -1.1%

Real Purchasing Power

$44,451

COL-adjusted (RPP=101.1)

Vermont Cost of Living Index

Vermont's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 101.1, meaning prices are 1.1% higher the national average. A Social Science Research Assistants earning $44,940 in Vermont has the equivalent purchasing power of $44,451 in an average-cost US state.

VT: 101.1

Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Vermont's cost of living.

Percentile	Nominal Salary	COL-Adjusted	Difference
10th Percentile (P10)	$44,940	$44,451	$-488
25th Percentile (P25)	$44,940	$44,451	$-488
Median (P50)	$44,940	$44,451	$-488
75th Percentile (P75)	$44,940	$44,451	$-488
90th Percentile (P90)	$44,940	$44,451	$-488

Key Insight

Vermont's cost of living is close to the national average, so $44,940 keeps most of its value at $44,451 in real terms. Location choice here is more about career opportunities than cost arbitrage.

Best States for Social Science Research Assistants (After Cost of Living)

Where does Social Science Research Assistants salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Ohio

$77,234

RPP 91.5

2. South Carolina

$71,570

RPP 93.6

3. Kansas

$71,200

RPP 90.0

4. Kentucky

$70,246

RPP 89.4

5. Georgia

$66,586

RPP 95.8

6. Oklahoma

$63,952

RPP 88.8

7. North Carolina

$62,006

RPP 94.2

8. Arizona

$59,189

RPP 99.9

9. West Virginia

$59,002

RPP 89.2

10. Maryland

$58,885

RPP 105.0

Vermont ranks #36 out of 39 states for Social Science Research Assistants after cost-of-living adjustment.

What To Do Next

Build a Professional Resume

Stand out to employers with a polished, ATS-friendly resume.

Upgrade Your Skills

Take courses from top universities and companies to boost your career.

Learn New Skills

Affordable courses in tech, business, and professional development.

Grow Your Career

Expert-led courses plus LinkedIn profile integration.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Social Science Research Assistants in Vermont after cost of living?

A Social Science Research Assistants in Vermont earns a median salary of $44,940 per year. After adjusting for Vermont's cost of living (RPP=101.1), the real purchasing power is $44,451 — a -1.1% difference.

Is Vermont expensive to live in?

Vermont's cost of living is 1.1% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Vermont is 101.1 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Social Science Research Assistants in Vermont: $44,940 x (100 / 101.1) = $44,451. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.