Social Science Research Assistant Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Social Science Research Assistants in Kentucky, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Kentucky Median
$66,390
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.92
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+7% vs US median
US median $61,990
State Rank
#5 of 45
1,190 employed here

How much does a Social Science Research Assistant make in Kentucky?

A Social Science Research Assistant working in Kentucky earns a median salary of $66,390 per year, or about $31.92 per hour. That is 7% above the national median of $61,990 for this occupation.

Within Kentucky, entry-level pay starts around $45,050 while the top 10% make $106,590 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,750 and $82,500 a year.

Social Science Research Assistant salary range in Kentucky

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$45,050$21.66
25th percentile (early career)$51,750$24.88
50th percentile (median)$66,390$31.92
75th percentile (experienced)$82,500$39.66
90th percentile (top earners)$106,590$51.25

How Kentucky compares

Kentucky ranks 5th out of 45 states and territories for Social Science Research Assistant pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Oklahoma$69,090
2Delaware$68,230
3Kansas$67,740
4Georgia$66,620
5Kentucky$66,390

Working as a Social Science Research Assistant in Kentucky

Nationally, about 31,000 people work as Social Science Research Assistants in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Kentucky pay ($66,390) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Social Science Research Assistant make in Kentucky?
The median Social Science Research Assistant salary in Kentucky is $66,390 per year, or about $31.92 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $45,050 at the entry level to $106,590 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Kentucky pay compare to the national average?
Kentucky pays Social Science Research Assistants about 7% more than the national median of $61,990. Kentucky ranks 5th out of 45 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Kentucky a good state for Social Science Research Assistants?
Yes on pay — Kentucky pays above the national median for this occupation, at $66,390 a year. About 1,190 Social Science Research Assistants are employed in Kentucky. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Kentucky?
The highest-paying occupations in Kentucky include Cardiologist ($558,180), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($350,950), Anesthesiologist ($347,960), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Social Science Research Assistant salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.