SalaryNode

Average Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Social Science Research Assistants in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area earn an average annual salary of $69,720. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $67,490, indicating a competitive market for these professionals. The local economic landscape and demand for specialized research skills likely contribute to this favorable compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $69,720 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,260.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Social Science Research Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.83, supports a dedicated workforce of 240 individuals. The presence of this workforce suggests consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these roles within the region, providing a stable environment for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$69,720

The average Social Science Research Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns+3.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.5

Weekly

$1,341

Monthly

$5,810

Social Science Research Assistants Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Salary progression for Social Science Research Assistants is strongly tied to experience and demonstrated expertise. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior researchers with advanced degrees and a proven track record in project management and data interpretation can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated knowledge and leadership.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$40,650$19.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$52,290$25.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$62,010$29.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$87,150$41.9
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$102,260$49.2

Detailed Social Science Research Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$69,720

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,720

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $69,720 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Social Science Research Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, find their nominal earnings align precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their salary is consistent with the typical American worker, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to local expenses.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

0.178

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 0.83x the national average concentration of Social Science Research Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.83 for Social Science Research Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates a market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced opportunity for job seekers and employers alike. The demand is present but not overwhelmingly dominant compared to national benchmarks.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Social Science Research Assistants

Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Hiring Social Science Research Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social Science Research Assistants make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?

The median annual salary for a Social Science Research Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $69,720. This typically ranges from $40,650 for entry-level positions to $102,260 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 3.3% higher than the national median of $67,490.

Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Social Science Research Assistants?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $69,720 is above the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, providing good purchasing power.

Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Social Science Research Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?

Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($71,290) and others.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Social Science Research Assistants in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, is $69,720, which is slightly higher than the national average of $67,490.

What is the Cost of Living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?

The Cost of Living Index for Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the job market for Social Science Research Assistants in this area?

The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.83, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a moderate level of competition and demand.

What is the total number of Social Science Research Assistants in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area?

There are approximately 240 Social Science Research Assistants employed in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.178 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.