Social Science Research Assistant Salary in Rhode Island (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Rhode Island Median
$51,420
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.72
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-17% vs US median
US median $61,990
State Rank
#30 of 45
220 employed here

How much does a Social Science Research Assistant make in Rhode Island?

A Social Science Research Assistant working in Rhode Island earns a median salary of $51,420 per year, or about $24.72 per hour. That is 17% below the national median of $61,990 for this occupation.

Within Rhode Island, entry-level pay starts around $41,990 while the top 10% make $99,720 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,420 and $68,710 a year.

Social Science Research Assistant salary range in Rhode Island

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$41,990$20.19
25th percentile (early career)$51,420$24.72
50th percentile (median)$51,420$24.72
75th percentile (experienced)$68,710$33.03
90th percentile (top earners)$99,720$47.94

How Rhode Island compares

Rhode Island ranks 30th 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 Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island pay ($51,420) 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 Rhode Island?
The median Social Science Research Assistant salary in Rhode Island is $51,420 per year, or about $24.72 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $41,990 at the entry level to $99,720 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Rhode Island pay compare to the national average?
Rhode Island pays Social Science Research Assistants about 17% less than the national median of $61,990. Rhode Island ranks 30th out of 45 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Rhode Island a good state for Social Science Research Assistants?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $51,420 a year. About 220 Social Science Research Assistants are employed in Rhode Island. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Rhode Island?
The highest-paying occupations in Rhode Island include Emergency Medicine Physician ($512,730), Family Medicine Physician ($467,160), Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric ($450,370), 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.