I have an MA and have been working for three years at a research center at an R1 university. However, my background is in research psychology and the centers focus is in education. I was a valuable hire, because my skill set was slightly different (apparently MA students in education don't get much training in statistics or have a lot of experimental experience). So I saw the posting, made a cogent case for myself in the interview and voila! An education MA would be an asset here, perhaps developmental.
More generally, you could certainly gain employment as a research assistant/ mid-level associate in other non-academic government orgs, NGOs, and think-tanks. It's just a matter of finding the right fit. I wouldn't expect to start higher than the mid 40's.