Social Science Research Assistant salary in Richmond, VA
Social Science Research Assistants in the Richmond, VA metro area earn a median of $49,060 a year ($23.59 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,640 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $61,990. Pay here is 8% lower than the Virginia statewide median of $53,260. There are 0.19 social science research assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $58,490, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for social science research assistants in Richmond, VA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| 25th percentile | $46,320 | $22.27 |
| Median | $49,060 | $23.59 |
| 75th percentile | $65,950 | $31.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,640 | $40.69 |
| Average (mean) | $58,490 | $28.12 |
Half of social science research assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,088.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,044.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,886.92 |
| Weekly | $943.46 |
| Hourly | $23.59 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,060 salary, see how much house you can afford in Virginia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Social Science Research Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $65,330 | 2,170 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $53,260 | 110 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $49,480 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for social science research assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $69,090 |
| Delaware | $68,230 |
| Kansas | $67,740 |
| Georgia | $66,620 |
| Kentucky | $66,390 |
| Missouri | $65,940 |
| New Hampshire | $65,690 |
| Maryland | $65,550 |
| District of Columbia | $65,330 |
| Illinois | $64,890 |
See Social Science Research Assistant pay in every state or the Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Richmond, VA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Technician | $65,210 | $31.35 |
| Chemical Technician | $50,790 | $24.42 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $45,800 | $22.02 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $70,160 | $33.73 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $62,610 | $30.10 |
| Nuclear Technician | $122,210 | $58.76 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $38,790 | $18.65 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $80,350 | $38.63 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $83,420 | $40.11 |
| Chemist | $87,580 | $42.11 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $72,880 | $35.04 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $77,340 | $37.18 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $70,050 | $33.68 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $60,260 | $28.97 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Richmond, VA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-4061. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a social science research assistant make in Richmond, VA?
The median salary for social science research assistants in the Richmond, VA metro area is $49,060 a year, or $23.59 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid social science research assistants make in Richmond, VA?
The top 10% of social science research assistants in the Richmond, VA metro area earn at least $84,640 a year. The top 25% earn $65,950 or more.
What is the starting pay for social science research assistants in Richmond, VA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,490 a year, and a quarter of social science research assistants earn $46,320 or less.
How many social science research assistants work in Richmond, VA?
About 120 social science research assistants are employed in the Richmond, VA metro area, not counting the self-employed.