Social Science Research Assistant salary in Michigan
Social Science Research Assistants in Michigan earn a median of $60,210 a year ($28.95 an hour), based on BLS data for 750 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,870 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $61,990. Michigan ranks 20th of 45 states for social science research assistants pay. There are 0.17 social science research assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $60,480, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for social science research assistants in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,970 | $20.18 |
| 25th percentile | $49,520 | $23.81 |
| Median | $60,210 | $28.95 |
| 75th percentile | $64,220 | $30.87 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,870 | $39.84 |
| Average (mean) | $60,480 | $29.08 |
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 | $5,017.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,508.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,315.77 |
| Weekly | $1,157.88 |
| Hourly | $28.95 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $60,210 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Social Science Research Assistant salary in cities in Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $64,220 | 370 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $62,670 | 100 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $43,060 | 190 |
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 Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Technician | $58,180 | $27.97 |
| Biological Technician | $51,070 | $24.55 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $59,100 | $28.42 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $51,290 | $24.66 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| Agricultural Technician | $42,780 | $20.57 |
| Food Science Technician | $52,130 | $25.06 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $58,860 | $28.30 |
| Chemist | $97,440 | $46.85 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $84,080 | $40.42 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $76,080 | $36.58 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $84,310 | $40.53 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $84,730 | $40.74 |
| School Psychologist | $83,960 | $40.36 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for social science research assistants in Michigan is $60,210 a year, or $28.95 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,870 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid social science research assistants make in Michigan?
The top 10% of social science research assistants in Michigan earn at least $82,870 a year. The top 25% earn $64,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for social science research assistants in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,970 a year, and a quarter of social science research assistants earn $49,520 or less.
How many social science research assistants work in Michigan?
About 750 social science research assistants are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.