Average Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary in Merced, CA
Farmworkers and Laborers in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $38,540, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,800. This slight premium is often dictated by the region's strong agricultural presence and the specific demands of crop, nursery, and greenhouse operations prevalent in the Merced area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,860.
- Outlook: Merced, CA, boasts a robust job market for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse professionals, with a substantial local workforce of 3,830 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 28.57 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Merced compared to the national average, signaling strong and consistent demand for these essential roles.
Salary Overview
The average Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in Merced, CA earns+2.0%above the national average.
$18.5
$741
$3,212
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a steady to positive trend in salaries for Farmworkers and Laborers in Merced over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and the persistent demand for agricultural labor. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for local produce, and evolving labor practices likely contribute to gradual salary increases in this sector.
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Salary progression for Farmworkers and Laborers in Merced, CA, typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in specific crops, greenhouse management, or advanced labor techniques can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated knowledge and efficiency.
| 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) | $28,905 | $13.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,410 | $17 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $48,175 | $23.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $52,860 | $25.4 |
Detailed Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $38,540 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal earnings in Merced, CA, align precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a farmworker's salary in Merced is equivalent to that of a farmworker earning the national average in a typical U.S. location, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
3,830
Total Jobs
48.496
Per 1K Jobs
28.57
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 28.6x the national concentration of Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse 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 28.57 for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in Merced, CA, is exceptionally high, signifying a deeply entrenched and highly concentrated industry. This indicates that Merced is a major hub for this type of employment, making the market highly competitive for new entrants but also rich with opportunities for those with relevant skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in Merced, CA is $38,540. 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 2.0% higher than the national median of $37,800.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
Yes, Merced, CA presents a lucrative environment for Farmworkers and Laborers.The average salary slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par, offering good purchasing power. Furthermore, the extremely high concentration of these jobs indicates strong and consistent demand.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
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 ($41,130) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's farmworker salary compare to the national average?
Farmworkers and Laborers in Merced, CA, earn an average of $38,540 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $37,800.
What does the Location Quotient of 28.57 mean for farmworker jobs in Merced?
A Location Quotient of 28.57 signifies that farmworker jobs are over 28 times more concentrated in Merced, CA, than the national average, indicating a very strong local industry presence and demand.
How does the cost of living in Merced affect farmworker salaries?
Merced's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $38,540 salary in Merced offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the total number of farmworker jobs in Merced, CA?
There are approximately 3,830 Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse employed within Merced, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,830 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 48.496 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA