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Average Conservation Scientists Salary in Washington

Conservation Scientists in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $83,550, significantly surpassing the national average of $72,360. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust environmental sector and the specialized demand for professionals who can manage and protect its diverse natural resources.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $83,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,090.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 940 Conservation Scientists and a Location Quotient of 1.6, Washington demonstrates a strong concentration of these professionals, indicating a healthy and potentially growing job market. The ratio of 0.265 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand for expertise in environmental stewardship and resource management within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$83,550

The average Conservation Scientists in Washington earns+15.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.2

Weekly

$1,607

Monthly

$6,963

Conservation Scientists Salary Distribution in Washington

The career trajectory for Conservation Scientists in Washington typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial career progression and earning potential available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$59,950$28.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$62,663$30.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$81,220$39
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$104,438$50.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$105,090$50.5

Detailed Conservation Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$83,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$72,589

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal salary of $83,550 is attractive, it's crucial to consider Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the salary is robust, the purchasing power may be somewhat moderated by the higher cost of living in the state.

Job Market Context

940

Total Jobs

0.265

Per 1K Jobs

1.6

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 1.6x 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.

A Location Quotient of 1.6 signifies that Conservation Scientists are 60% more concentrated in Washington than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market, suggesting that employers in the state actively seek and value this expertise, possibly leading to more opportunities and better compensation for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Conservation Scientists

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Conservation Scientists Salary$92,270↑ 10%42 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Conservation Scientists Salary$80,970↓ 3%70 mi
Yakima, WA Conservation Scientists Salary$77,040↓ 8%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Conservation Scientists make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Conservation Scientists in Washington is $83,550. This typically ranges from $59,950 for entry-level positions to $105,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 15.5% higher than the national median of $72,360.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Conservation Scientists?

Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Conservation Scientists.The average salary of $83,550 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of professionals (LQ of 1.6) points to strong demand and competitive compensation.

Is Washington a good place to live for Conservation Scientists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($92,270) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.

What is the average salary for a Conservation Scientist in Washington?

The average annual salary for a Conservation Scientist in Washington is $83,550.

How does Washington's salary compare to the national average for Conservation Scientists?

Conservation Scientists in Washington earn approximately $11,190 more annually than the national average of $72,360.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.6 mean for Conservation Scientists in Washington?

A Location Quotient of 1.6 indicates that Conservation Scientists are 60% more concentrated in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized job market.

How does the cost of living in Washington affect the Conservation Scientist salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average, meaning the $83,550 salary may have slightly less purchasing power than in lower-cost areas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.265 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Conservation Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington