Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Nebraska
Food Scientists and Technologists in Nebraska earn an average annual salary of $80,020, which is notably below the national average of $92,790. This difference in compensation is often influenced by a combination of local economic factors, industry concentration, and the overall demand for specialized scientific roles within the state's agricultural and food processing sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $141,080.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Scientists and Technologists in Nebraska, while modest in absolute terms with a total local workforce of 210, shows a significant concentration relative to the national average. A Location Quotient of 2.22 indicates that this profession is more than twice as prevalent in Nebraska as it is nationwide, suggesting a robust demand and specialized need for these professionals within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Nebraska earns-13.8%below the national average.
$38.5
$1,539
$6,668
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Nebraska is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists have followed national trends over the past four years, likely experiencing steady growth. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for food innovation, safety, and quality, alongside inflationary pressures and the evolving complexity of the food industry.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Nebraska
Salary progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in Nebraska, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior scientists with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or specialized expertise in areas like product development or quality assurance can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,600 | $19 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $60,015 | $28.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $67,310 | $32.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $100,025 | $48.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $141,080 | $67.8 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,128
Adjusted for COL (90.8)
The nominal average salary of $80,020 in Nebraska presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 90.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an $80,020 salary in Nebraska is greater than it would be in a higher cost-of-living area, allowing for a potentially higher standard of living.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.207
Per 1K Jobs
2.22
Location Quotient
Nebraska has 2.2x 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.
Nebraska's Location Quotient of 2.22 for Food Scientists and Technologists is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This suggests that the state has a significantly higher proportion of these professionals compared to the national average, implying a specialized demand and potentially less competition for skilled individuals within this niche sector.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Nebraska?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Nebraska is $80,020. This typically ranges from $39,600 for entry-level positions to $141,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nebraska is 13.8% lower than the national median of $92,790.
Is Nebraska a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Nebraska offers a strong concentration of Food Scientist and Technologist jobs relative to the national average, and its lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $80,020 average salary.
Is Nebraska a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does Nebraska's average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in Nebraska is $80,020, which is below the national average of $92,790.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.22 mean for this profession in Nebraska?
A Location Quotient of 2.22 signifies that Food Scientists and Technologists are more than twice as concentrated in Nebraska compared to the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially high demand within the state.
How does the cost of living in Nebraska affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (below the national average of 100), the $80,020 salary in Nebraska offers greater purchasing power than it might in more expensive states.
Is the job market for Food Scientists and Technologists growing in Nebraska?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the high Location Quotient suggests a stable or growing demand for these specialized roles within Nebraska's food industry.
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 Nebraska area with a job density of 0.207 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 Nebraska