Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Indiana
Food Scientists and Technologists in Indiana earn an average annual salary of $78,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $92,790, reflecting a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state's food industry. While lower than the national benchmark, this salary is influenced by Indiana's unique market conditions and cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $78,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,210.
- Outlook: The Indiana market for Food Scientists and Technologists, while not as concentrated as the national average with a Location Quotient of 0.71, supports a dedicated workforce of 210 professionals. The presence of this workforce, even at a lower concentration, indicates a stable, albeit specialized, demand for these roles within the state's food sector. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.066) suggests that while opportunities exist, they are relatively niche.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Indiana earns-14.9%below the national average.
$38
$1,519
$6,583
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Indiana is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in the state have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased demand for innovative food products, and advancements in food technology likely contributed to upward pressure on wages, even if the rate of growth differs from national averages.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Indiana
Career progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in Indiana typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that early-career professionals might earn closer to the lower end, potentially in the $50,000s, while seasoned experts with specialized skills and leadership experience could command salaries well over $100,000, showcasing substantial earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,610 | $23.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,243 | $28.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $81,060 | $39 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $98,738 | $47.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $105,210 | $50.6 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$78,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,767
Adjusted for COL (90)
The nominal average salary of $78,990 in Indiana offers a strong purchasing power due to the state's Cost of Living Index of 90, which is 10% below the national average. This means that despite earning less than the national average in absolute terms, the disposable income for a Food Scientist in Indiana is likely to be more substantial, allowing for a higher quality of life relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.066
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Indiana has 0.71x the national average concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.71, Indiana's market for Food Scientists and Technologists is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the state has a presence in this field, it is not a primary hub for these professionals. The lower concentration indicates a potentially less competitive job market for employers seeking talent, but also fewer specialized opportunities for job seekers compared to more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Scientists and Technologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $79,930↑ 1% | 8 mi |
Comparing salaries near Indiana
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Indiana?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Indiana is $78,990. This typically ranges from $49,610 for entry-level positions to $105,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Indiana is 14.9% lower than the national median of $92,790.
Is Indiana a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Indiana offers a competitive salary of $78,990, which, when combined with a cost of living 10% below the national average, provides strong purchasing power. However, this salary is below the national average, indicating a less lucrative market in absolute terms compared to other states.
Is Indiana a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Indiana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($79,930) and others.
How does Indiana's cost of living affect Food Scientist salaries?
Indiana's cost of living index of 90 means that the $78,990 average salary provides greater purchasing power than the same salary would in a higher cost-of-living area. This effectively makes the nominal salary go further for residents.
What is the concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists in Indiana?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.71, indicating that this profession is less prevalent in Indiana compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized rather than widespread presence in the state's workforce.
How many Food Scientists and Technologists work in Indiana?
There are approximately 210 Food Scientists and Technologists employed in Indiana, representing a small but dedicated segment of the state's professional workforce.
Is the job market for Food Scientists and Technologists growing in Indiana?
While specific growth rates are not detailed, the presence of 210 professionals and a stable, albeit niche, demand suggests a consistent job market. National trends in food innovation may also drive localized growth.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Indiana area with a job density of 0.066 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 Scientists and Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Indiana