Average Biological Scientists, All Other Salary in California
Biological Scientists, All Other in California command an impressive average annual salary of $121,000, significantly outpacing the national average of $105,580. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust biotechnology sector, high demand for specialized scientific expertise, and the state's overall economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $171,740.
- Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 12,580 Biological Scientists, All Other, indicating a significant presence in the state's scientific community. The location quotient of 1.8 further underscores this concentration, suggesting that this role is nearly twice as prevalent in California compared to the national average, pointing to a strong and active job market.
Salary Overview
The average Biological Scientists, All Other in California earns+14.6%above the national average.
$58.2
$2,327
$10,083
Biological Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Biological Scientists, All Other in California have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing research funding, advancements in life sciences, and a persistent demand for skilled professionals likely contribute to an upward trend in compensation within this field.
Biological Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in California
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Biological Scientists, All Other in California. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive research, development, and leadership experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,210 | $31.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,750 | $43.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $112,010 | $53.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $151,250 | $72.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $171,740 | $82.6 |
Detailed Biological Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,365
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal salary of $121,000 appears substantial, California's high cost of living index of 138.5 (meaning it's 38.5% more expensive than the national average) requires careful consideration. This means that the purchasing power of $121,000 in California is less than the national average salary in a more affordable region, necessitating a thorough budget analysis for potential relocators.
Job Market Context
12,580
Total Jobs
0.697
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
California has 1.8x the national concentration of Biological Scientists, All Other jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A location quotient of 1.8 for Biological Scientists, All Other in California indicates a highly concentrated job market, suggesting a strong demand and a specialized ecosystem for these professionals. This concentration implies that while opportunities are abundant, the market may also be competitive, with employers seeking highly qualified candidates with specific skill sets relevant to the state's leading biotech and research institutions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Biological Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $87,840↓ 27% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $86,640↓ 28% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $104,530↓ 14% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Biological Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Biological Scientists, All Other make in California?
The median annual salary for a Biological Scientists, All Other in California is $121,000. This typically ranges from $65,210 for entry-level positions to $171,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 14.6% higher than the national median of $105,580.
Is California a lucrative place for Biological Scientists, All Others?
Yes, California is a highly lucrative place for Biological Scientists, All Others.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of jobs indicates strong market demand, despite the elevated cost of living.
Is California a good place to live for Biological Scientists, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($87,840) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does the number of Biological Scientists in California compare nationally?
With 12,580 Biological Scientists, All Other, California represents a significant portion of the national workforce in this field, as indicated by its location quotient of 1.8.
What is the job outlook for Biological Scientists in California?
The job outlook appears robust, with a high concentration of professionals and a strong presence in the state's scientific and biotech industries, suggesting continued demand.
How does the cost of living affect the Biological Scientist salary in California?
The high cost of living in California means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power is reduced compared to the national average, requiring careful financial planning.
What factors contribute to the higher salaries for Biological Scientists in California?
Higher salaries are driven by California's leading biotechnology sector, the demand for specialized scientific talent, and the state's overall higher cost of living and economic activity.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,580 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.697 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Biological Scientists, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California