In the Federal Government, social scientists with a bachelor's degree and no experience could start at $23,442 or $29,307 a year in 2003, depending on their college records. Those with a master's degree could start at $35,519, and those with a Ph.D. degree could begin at $42,976, while some individuals with experience and an advanced degree could start at $51,508. Beginning salaries were slightly higher in selected areas of the country where the prevailing local pay level was higher.