Social Science Research Assistants Salary in Kentucky

Social science research assistants in Kentucky earn the most in Bowling Green (average $88,200 a year) and the least in Lexington ($56,210), across the 3 Kentucky metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the social science research assistants average at $70,300 and the median at $66,390 for 1,190 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $66,140.

Social Science Research Assistants average salary by city in Kentucky

Bowling Green$88,200
Louisville$79,230
Lexington$56,210

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Bowling Green	$88,200	$84,680	$67,530	$66,145	90
Louisville	$79,230	$82,500	$53,050	$60,170	93
Lexington	$56,210	$51,780	$51,780	$43,949	93

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; includes Bowling Green's local income tax (2%). Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Social Science Research Assistants salary in other states

Social Science Research Assistants salary by city and state

More about pay in Kentucky

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-4061.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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