Average Food Science Technicians Salary in Merced, CA
Food Science Technicians in Merced, CA earn an average annual salary of $55,860, which is slightly above the national average of $54,420. This localized premium is often influenced by the specific demands of the regional food processing industry and the availability of specialized talent within the Merced area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,460.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 Food Science Technicians, Merced, CA presents a notable concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 30.79. This significantly high quotient suggests a robust demand and a specialized job market for this role within the region, pointing towards a stable outlook for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Science Technicians in Merced, CA earns+2.6%above the national average.
$26.9
$1,074
$4,655
Food Science Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Merced is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Science Technicians in this region have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food safety expertise, and advancements in food technology likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Food Science Technicians Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression for Food Science Technicians in Merced, CA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior technicians with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,850 | $21.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $41,895 | $20.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $58,880 | $28.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $69,825 | $33.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $66,460 | $32 |
Detailed Food Science Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,860 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Science Technician's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
2.836
Per 1K Jobs
30.79
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 30.8x the national concentration of Food Science Technicians 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 exceptionally high Location Quotient of 30.79 for Food Science Technicians, far exceeding the national average of 1.0. This indicates a highly concentrated and specialized market for these professionals, suggesting that while job opportunities may be abundant within this niche, the competition could also be significant due to the high concentration of talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Science Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Food Science Technicians Salary | $52,450↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Food Science Technicians Salary | $48,410↓ 13% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Food Science Technicians Salary | $52,810↓ 5% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Food Science Technicians Salary | $52,940↓ 5% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Food Science Technicians Salary | $62,780↑ 12% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Science Technicians make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Food Science Technicians in Merced, CA is $55,860. This typically ranges from $44,850 for entry-level positions to $66,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 2.6% higher than the national median of $54,420.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Food Science Technicians?
Yes, Merced, CA offers a slightly above-average salary for Food Science Technicians.The average salary of $55,860 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Food Science Technicians?
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 ($52,450) and Fresno, CA.
How does the number of Food Science Technicians in Merced compare nationally?
Merced, CA has 2.836 Food Science Technicians per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence in this field.
What does a Location Quotient of 30.79 mean for Food Science Technicians in Merced?
A Location Quotient of 30.79 signifies that Food Science Technicians are about 30 times more concentrated in Merced, CA, than in the average U.S. location, highlighting a specialized regional industry.
Is the job market for Food Science Technicians in Merced competitive?
Given the high concentration (Location Quotient of 30.79) and the total workforce of 220, the market is likely competitive due to specialized demand, but also offers opportunities within this niche.
How does the salary in Merced compare to the cost of living?
The average salary of $55,860 in Merced perfectly matches the national average cost of living index of 100, meaning your earnings have average purchasing power locally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 2.836 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Science Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA