Average Biological Scientists, All Other Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Biological Scientists, All Other in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $102,910. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.43x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $102,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,650.
- Outlook: The current demand for Biological Scientists, All Others is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Biological Scientists, All Other in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns-2.5%below the national average.
$49.5
$1,979
$8,576
Biological Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Biological Scientists, All Other salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have seen a slight adjustment of -15.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Biological Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Biological Scientists, All Others in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $61,010, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $166,650.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,010 | $29.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,183 | $37.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $93,650 | $45 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $128,638 | $61.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $166,650 | $80.1 |
Detailed Biological Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$102,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$102,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $102,910 to $102,910.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.552
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Biological Scientists, All Other roles compared to the national norm.
50 people work as Biological Scientists, All Other in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA.
Only 0.552 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Biological Scientists, All Other roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Biological Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $139,920↑ 36% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $113,170↑ 10% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $140,490↑ 37% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $96,900↓ 6% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Biological Scientists, All Other Salary | $105,150↑ 2% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Biological Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Biological Scientists, All Other make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Biological Scientists, All Other in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $102,910. This typically ranges from $61,010 for entry-level positions to $166,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 2.5% lower than the national median of $105,580.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Biological Scientists, All Others?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($102,910), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Biological Scientists, All Others. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Biological Scientists, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($139,920) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 0.552 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA