Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
In Merced, California, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $39,960. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,160, suggesting that while the industry is present, local market dynamics and potentially lower regional demand contribute to this compensation. The specific economic landscape of Merced, influenced by its agricultural base and labor supply, shapes these pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,860.
- Outlook: Merced, CA supports a significant workforce in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations, with 4,770 individuals employed in this sector. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 21.08 indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling robust local demand and a specialized labor market. With 60.431 jobs per 1,000 workers, the sector is a key component of Merced's employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Merced, CA earns-2.9%below the national average.
$19.2
$768
$3,330
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Merced's Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for agricultural products, and evolving labor practices likely contribute to upward pressure on wages within this sector, even if local averages remain slightly below the national benchmark.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations typically sees 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 years of experience can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and long-term commitment within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,490 | $16.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $29,970 | $14.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,280 | $17.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $49,950 | $24 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $52,860 | $25.4 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,960 in Merced, CA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Merced is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary might appear slightly lower than the national average for this occupation, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living as in many other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
4,770
Total Jobs
60.431
Per 1K Jobs
21.08
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 21.1x 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.
Merced, CA, exhibits an extraordinary concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 21.08. This exceptionally high figure indicates that these roles are over 21 times more prevalent in Merced than the national average. Such a strong concentration suggests a highly specialized local job market, where opportunities may be abundant for those with relevant skills, but competition could also be significant due to the sheer volume of workers in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $42,580↑ 7% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $37,600↓ 6% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $39,960- 0% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,630↑ 4% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $48,220↑ 21% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Merced, CA is $39,960. This typically ranges from $33,490 for entry-level positions to $52,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 2.9% lower than the national median of $41,160.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is extremely high, the average salary of $39,960 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating average earning potential.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($42,580) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's cost of living compare to the national average for this job sector?
Merced, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary of $39,960 will have a purchasing power equivalent to the national average for this occupation.
What does a Location Quotient of 21.08 mean for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry jobs in Merced?
A Location Quotient of 21.08 signifies that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are over 21 times more concentrated in Merced compared to the national average, indicating a highly specialized and dominant local industry.
How many people work in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Merced?
There are approximately 4,770 individuals employed in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations within Merced, CA, making it a substantial segment of the local workforce.
Is the average salary for these jobs in Merced higher or lower than the national average?
The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Merced, CA is $39,960, which is slightly lower than the national average of $41,160.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,770 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 60.431 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 Merced, CA