Average Biological Scientists, All Other Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a highly lucrative market for Biological Scientists, All Others. With an average annual salary of $116,430, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.15x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $116,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,360.
- Outlook: The current demand for Biological Scientists, All Others is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Biological Scientists, All Other in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+10.3%above the national average.
$56
$2,239
$9,703
Biological Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Biological Scientists, All Other salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 40.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Biological Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Biological Scientists, All Others in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.5x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $65,350, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $165,360.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,350 | $31.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $87,323 | $42 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $111,220 | $53.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $145,538 | $70 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $165,360 | $79.5 |
Detailed Biological Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$116,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$116,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $116,430 to $116,430.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
0.832
Per 1K Jobs
2.15
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 2.1x 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.
170 people work as Biological Scientists, All Other in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.832 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
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Biological Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Biological Scientists, All Other make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Biological Scientists, All Other in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $116,430. This typically ranges from $65,350 for entry-level positions to $165,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 10.3% higher than the national median of $105,580.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Biological Scientists, All Others?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is an excellent location for Biological Scientists, All Others. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($116,430) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Biological Scientists, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($104,530) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.832 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA