Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in California
In California, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $40,480. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,160, suggesting that while the state offers significant opportunities, the pay may be influenced by a complex interplay of factors including the high cost of living and the specific demands of the agricultural sector within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,320.
- Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 215,280 individuals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 4.16, this sector is significantly more concentrated in California than the national average, indicating a robust and highly specialized job market with strong demand for these roles within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in California earns-1.7%below the national average.
$19.5
$778
$3,373
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in California have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased demand for agricultural products, technological advancements in farming, and evolving labor regulations likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this vital sector.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in California
Career progression in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations within California typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as one gains experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,090 | $16.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,360 | $14.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,160 | $17.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,600 | $24.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $51,320 | $24.7 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,227
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $40,480 in California for these roles must be viewed in the context of a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is substantially higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary might seem comparable, the purchasing power of $40,480 in California is considerably less than in areas with a lower cost of living, impacting the real value of the earnings.
Job Market Context
215,280
Total Jobs
11.922
Per 1K Jobs
4.16
Location Quotient
California has 4.2x the national concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
California's Location Quotient of 4.16 for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations signifies a highly concentrated industry. This indicates that the state is a major hub for these professions, with a job market that is not only abundant in opportunities but also highly specialized and competitive, attracting a significant portion of the national workforce in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $39,710↓ 2% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $38,130↓ 6% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $37,600↓ 7% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $36,720↓ 9% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,770↑ 3% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in California?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in California is $40,480. This typically ranges from $34,090 for entry-level positions to $51,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 1.7% lower than the national median of $41,160.
Is California a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
No, not solely based on nominal salary compared to cost of living.While California has a highly concentrated job market for these roles, the average salary of $40,480 is slightly below the national average and significantly impacted by a high cost of living index of 138.5.
Is California a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
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 Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($39,710) and Visalia, CA.
How does California's salary for these jobs compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in California for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations is $40,480, which is slightly lower than the national average of $41,160.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.16 mean for this industry in California?
A Location Quotient of 4.16 indicates that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are over four times more concentrated in California than the national average, suggesting a strong and specialized presence.
How does the cost of living affect the real income for these jobs in California?
With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, the $40,480 salary in California has less purchasing power compared to the national average, meaning essential goods and services are more expensive.
Is there significant demand for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry workers in California?
Yes, the large workforce size of 215,280 and a high Location Quotient of 4.16 strongly suggest significant demand and a robust job market for these occupations in California.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 215,280 employees in the California area with a job density of 11.922 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California