Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
In the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $40,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,160, indicating a localized market dynamic that influences compensation. Factors such as regional agricultural output, specific industry demands, and the local economic landscape contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,630.
- Outlook: The Santa Maria-Santa Barbara region boasts a substantial workforce of 13,200 individuals employed in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 22.82, this sector is significantly more concentrated in this area than the national average, suggesting a robust and established job market with strong local demand for these specialized skills.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-1.8%below the national average.
$19.4
$778
$3,369
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry sector in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by increasing demand for agricultural products, advancements in farming technologies, and a growing awareness of the importance of these industries, leading to upward pressure on wages.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The widening percentile gaps in salary data often signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,030 | $16.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,323 | $14.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $37,350 | $18 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,538 | $24.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $48,630 | $23.4 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,430 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal income provides a standard of living consistent with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
13,200
Total Jobs
65.414
Per 1K Jobs
22.82
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 22.8x 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.
The Location Quotient of 22.82 for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is exceptionally high, indicating a very strong concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only abundant with opportunities but also highly specialized and competitive, with a deep pool of talent and established industry presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $40,430. This typically ranges from $34,030 for entry-level positions to $48,630 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 1.8% lower than the national median of $41,160.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary is $40,430, it is slightly below the national average of $41,160, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. The high concentration of jobs indicates strong local demand rather than higher pay.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
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 ($41,770) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 13,200 in this sector indicates a substantial presence, suggesting a healthy number of job openings and a well-established industry infrastructure within the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara region.
What does a Location Quotient of 22.82 signify?
A Location Quotient of 22.82 means that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are over 22 times more concentrated in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara than the national average, highlighting the region's specialization in these fields.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $40,430 salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch similarly to what they would elsewhere in the US.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers in this field locally?
With 65.414 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a significant proportion of the local employment is dedicated to Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations, reinforcing the area's specialization.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,200 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 65.414 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA