Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Merced, CA
The average salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Merced, CA is $84,120. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Merced, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 4.45x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,940.
- Outlook: The current demand for Food Scientists and Technologistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Merced, CA earns-9.3%below the national average.
$40.4
$1,618
$7,010
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Food Scientists and Technologists salaries in Merced, CA have seen a slight adjustment of -8.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The earning potential for Food Scientists and Technologistss in Merced, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $58,670, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $124,940.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,670 | $28.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,090 | $30.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $77,360 | $37.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $105,150 | $50.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $124,940 | $60.1 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $84,120 to $84,120.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.414
Per 1K Jobs
4.45
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 4.5x the national concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
30 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in Merced, CA.
Only 0.414 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Food Scientists and Technologists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Scientists and Technologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $90,160↑ 7% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $75,110↓ 11% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $87,190↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $99,950↑ 19% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Merced, CA is $84,120. This typically ranges from $58,670 for entry-level positions to $124,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 9.3% lower than the national median of $92,790.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Yes, Merced, CA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($84,120), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Food Scientists and Technologistss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
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 ($90,160) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 0.414 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Scientists and Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA