Social Science Research Assistant salary in South Dakota
Social Science Research Assistants in South Dakota earn a median of $44,820 a year ($21.55 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,670 for the top 10%. That is 28% lower than the national median of $61,990. South Dakota ranks 43rd of 45 states for social science research assistants pay. There are 0.09 social science research assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.47). The average (mean) salary is $41,910, close to the median.
Pay range for social science research assistants in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,260 | $13.59 |
| 25th percentile | $34,710 | $16.69 |
| Median | $44,820 | $21.55 |
| 75th percentile | $50,670 | $24.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,670 | $24.36 |
| Average (mean) | $41,910 | $20.15 |
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 | $3,735 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,867.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,723.85 |
| Weekly | $861.92 |
| Hourly | $21.55 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $44,820 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Technician | $41,420 | $19.91 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $54,770 | $26.33 |
| Biological Technician | $41,300 | $19.86 |
| Food Science Technician | $48,760 | $23.44 |
| Chemical Technician | $49,030 | $23.57 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $44,180 | $21.24 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $51,630 | $24.82 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $51,690 | $24.85 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $73,590 | $35.38 |
| Conservation Scientist | $76,400 | $36.73 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $88,610 | $42.60 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $68,230 | $32.80 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $71,180 | $34.22 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $73,920 | $35.54 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
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 South Dakota?
The median salary for social science research assistants in South Dakota is $44,820 a year, or $21.55 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,670 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid social science research assistants make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of social science research assistants in South Dakota earn at least $50,670 a year. The top 25% earn $50,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for social science research assistants in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,260 a year, and a quarter of social science research assistants earn $34,710 or less.
How many social science research assistants work in South Dakota?
About 40 social science research assistants are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.