In the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area, Social Science Research Assistants earn an average annual salary of $59,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $67,490, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of the region plays a significant role in shaping the pay scales for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,810.
- Outlook: The local job market for Social Science Research Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington appears moderately concentrated, with a total workforce of 890 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.46 indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the region. The presence of a dedicated workforce points to ongoing opportunities for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Social Science Research Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns-12.1%below the national average.
$28.5
$1,141
$4,944
Social Science Research Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Philadelphia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for data analysis, and evolving research methodologies likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for Social Science Research Assistants across the country, including this metropolitan area.
Social Science Research Assistants Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Career progression for Social Science Research Assistants typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior researchers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one advances in this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,870 | $22.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,498 | $21.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $58,920 | $28.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $74,163 | $35.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $76,810 | $36.9 |
Detailed Social Science Research Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,330 for Social Science Research Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services in the region is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
0.311
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Social Science Research Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.46, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington demonstrates a concentration of Social Science Research Assistants that is 46% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and established market for these professionals, indicating that employers in the region actively seek out and employ a greater proportion of these specialists relative to other occupations when compared to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social Science Research Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Social Science Research Assistants Salary | $56,710↓ 4% | 28 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Social Science Research Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social Science Research Assistants make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Social Science Research Assistants in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $59,330. This typically ranges from $45,870 for entry-level positions to $76,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 12.1% lower than the national median of $67,490.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Social Science Research Assistants?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $59,330 is below the national average of $67,490, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific metropolitan area.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Social Science Research Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($56,710) and others.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 890 Social Science Research Assistants suggests a substantial pool of professionals, indicating a stable job market with consistent, though not necessarily explosive, opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.46 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.46 means that Social Science Research Assistants are more concentrated in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area than the national average, implying a stronger regional demand or a higher prevalence of related industries.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area has living expenses equivalent to the national average, meaning the $59,330 salary has average purchasing power.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience?
Yes, experience is a key driver of salary for Social Science Research Assistants, with senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career growth path.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 0.311 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD