Average Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
In Lexington-Fayette, KY, Social Science Research Assistants earn an average annual salary of $54,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $67,490, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the area. The cost of living in Lexington-Fayette aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may remain relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,370.
- Outlook: The job market for Social Science Research Assistants in Lexington-Fayette, KY, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 6, significantly exceeding the national average. While the total local workforce of 360 is not exceptionally large, this high concentration suggests a specialized demand for these roles within the region, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for those with relevant skills.
Salary Overview
The average Social Science Research Assistants in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-20.0%below the national average.
$26
$1,039
$4,502
Social Science Research Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Social Science Research Assistant salary trends in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this field have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This growth is likely driven by an increasing reliance on data analysis and research across various sectors within the local economy.
Social Science Research Assistants Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Salary progression for Social Science Research Assistants in Lexington-Fayette, KY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior researchers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the career advancement and increased responsibilities associated with more experienced professionals in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,620 | $19.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $40,515 | $19.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $48,980 | $23.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $67,525 | $32.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $74,370 | $35.8 |
Detailed Social Science Research Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lexington-Fayette, KY, presents a neutral cost environment compared to the national average. The average salary of $54,020 therefore translates directly to national average purchasing power. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Lexington-Fayette is also at the national benchmark, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
1.281
Per 1K Jobs
6
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 6.0x 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.
The Location Quotient of 6 for Social Science Research Assistants in Lexington-Fayette, KY, signifies a substantial concentration of these roles relative to the national average. This indicates a robust and specialized local market where demand for these skills is significantly higher than in many other regions, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and good opportunities for qualified professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social Science Research Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Social Science Research Assistants Salary | $49,830↓ 8% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Social Science Research Assistants Salary | $81,670↑ 51% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Social Science Research Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social Science Research Assistants make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Social Science Research Assistants in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $54,020. This typically ranges from $40,620 for entry-level positions to $74,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 20.0% lower than the national median of $67,490.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Social Science Research Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $54,020 is below the national average of $67,490, the cost of living is also at the national average, offering stable purchasing power. The high concentration of roles suggests good local demand, however.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Social Science Research Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($49,830) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the Lexington-Fayette, KY salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Social Science Research Assistants in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is $54,020, which is lower than the national average of $67,490.
What is the Cost of Living in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither more nor less expensive to live there than the typical US location.
How concentrated are Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Lexington-Fayette, KY, has a high concentration of Social Science Research Assistants, indicated by a Location Quotient of 6, meaning there are six times more of these jobs per worker than the national average.
What does the total workforce size imply for job seekers?
With a total local workforce of 360 Social Science Research Assistants, the market is specialized. While not a massive number, the high concentration suggests dedicated opportunities within this specific field in Lexington-Fayette.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 1.281 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Social Science Research Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- All Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Production Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Management Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Browse All Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Social Science Research Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY