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Average Conservation Scientists Salary in Alaska

Conservation Scientists in Alaska earn an impressive average annual salary of $87,020, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,360. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Alaska's unique environmental challenges, vast natural resources, and the specialized expertise required to manage them, necessitating higher pay to attract and retain qualified professionals in this demanding region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,030.
  • Outlook: The job market for Conservation Scientists in Alaska appears robust, with a total local workforce of 320 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 6.02 indicates a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand and a specialized need for conservation expertise within the state's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,020

The average Conservation Scientists in Alaska earns+20.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.8

Weekly

$1,673

Monthly

$7,252

Conservation Scientists Salary Distribution in Alaska

Career progression for Conservation Scientists in Alaska typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the national average, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive fieldwork experience can command salaries well above the $87,020 average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the substantial rewards for accumulating expertise and taking on greater responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$52,810$25.4
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$65,265$31.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$75,470$36.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$108,775$52.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$138,030$66.4

Detailed Conservation Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,736

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

While the nominal salary of $87,020 for Conservation Scientists in Alaska is attractive, it must be considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 126.6. This index, which is 26.6% higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of an Alaskan salary is somewhat diminished. Therefore, while the gross income is high, the actual disposable income may be closer to, or even slightly less than, what one might expect in a lower cost-of-living area with a lower nominal salary.

Job Market Context

320

Total Jobs

0.999

Per 1K Jobs

6.02

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 6.0x the national concentration of Conservation Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Alaska's Location Quotient of 6.02 for Conservation Scientists is a powerful indicator of a highly concentrated job market. This signifies that the state employs nearly six times the number of Conservation Scientists relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive environment where demand for these skills is significantly elevated due to the state's unique ecological characteristics and resource management needs.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Conservation Scientistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Conservation Scientists make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Conservation Scientists in Alaska is $87,020. This typically ranges from $52,810 for entry-level positions to $138,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 20.3% higher than the national median of $72,360.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Conservation Scientists?

Yes, Alaska offers a lucrative environment for Conservation Scientists.The average salary of $87,020 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of roles indicates strong demand for their expertise in the state.

Is Alaska a good place to live for Conservation Scientists?

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Alaska's cost of living affect a Conservation Scientist's salary?

Alaska's cost of living is approximately 26.6% higher than the national average. This means that while the $87,020 salary is substantial, its purchasing power is reduced compared to lower-cost states.

What does the Location Quotient of 6.02 mean for Conservation Scientists in Alaska?

A Location Quotient of 6.02 indicates that Conservation Scientists are much more concentrated in Alaska than the national average, suggesting a high demand for their specialized skills in the state's unique environment.

How many Conservation Scientists work in Alaska?

There are approximately 320 Conservation Scientists employed in Alaska, representing a significant portion of the workforce relative to the national average.

Are there many job opportunities for Conservation Scientists in Alaska?

Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a robust job market with a strong concentration of opportunities for Conservation Scientists, driven by the state's extensive natural resources and conservation needs.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 0.999 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.