Social Science Research Assistant salary in Tennessee
Social Science Research Assistants in Tennessee earn a median of $46,410 a year ($22.31 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $58,500 for the top 10%. That is 25% lower than the national median of $61,990. Tennessee ranks 41st of 45 states for social science research assistants pay. There are 0.04 social science research assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.21). The average (mean) salary is $47,860, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for social science research assistants in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,120 | $15.92 |
| 25th percentile | $40,120 | $19.29 |
| Median | $46,410 | $22.31 |
| 75th percentile | $55,900 | $26.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,500 | $28.13 |
| Average (mean) | $47,860 | $23.01 |
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 | $3,867.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,933.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,785 |
| Weekly | $892.50 |
| Hourly | $22.31 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,410 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Social Science Research Assistant salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $46,410 | 90 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| Chemical Technician | $54,840 | $26.36 |
| Biological Technician | $50,840 | $24.44 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $56,960 | $27.39 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $70,500 | $33.90 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $63,050 | $30.31 |
| Nuclear Technician | $91,980 | $44.22 |
| Agricultural Technician | $45,130 | $21.70 |
| Hydrologic Technician | $30,780 | $14.80 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $102,720 | $49.39 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $81,190 | $39.03 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $76,840 | $36.94 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $76,820 | $36.93 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for social science research assistants in Tennessee is $46,410 a year, or $22.31 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $58,500 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid social science research assistants make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of social science research assistants in Tennessee earn at least $58,500 a year. The top 25% earn $55,900 or more.
What is the starting pay for social science research assistants in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,120 a year, and a quarter of social science research assistants earn $40,120 or less.
How many social science research assistants work in Tennessee?
About 140 social science research assistants are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.