Average Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Columbia, SC
The average salary for a Social Science Research Assistants in Columbia, SC is $71,440. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Columbia, SC is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.8x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,120.
- Outlook: The current demand for Social Science Research Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbia, SC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Social Science Research Assistants in Columbia, SC earns+5.9%above the national average.
$34.3
$1,374
$5,953
Social Science Research Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Social Science Research Assistants salaries in Columbia, SC have seen a slight adjustment of -8.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Social Science Research Assistants Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The earning potential for Social Science Research Assistantss in Columbia, SC varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.3x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $37,390, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $122,120.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $37,390 | $18 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,580 | $25.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $69,110 | $33.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,300 | $42.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $122,120 | $58.7 |
Detailed Social Science Research Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbia, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $71,440 to $71,440.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
0.384
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 1.8x the national concentration of Social Science Research Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
150 people work as Social Science Research Assistants in Columbia, SC.
Only 0.384 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Social Science Research Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social Science Research Assistants make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Social Science Research Assistants in Columbia, SC is $71,440. This typically ranges from $37,390 for entry-level positions to $122,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 5.9% higher than the national median of $67,490.
Is Columbia, SC a good place for Social Science Research Assistantss?
Yes, Columbia, SC is an excellent location for Social Science Research Assistantss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($71,440) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Social Science Research Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.384 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Social Science Research Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC