Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Pennsylvania
Food Scientists and Technologists in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $83,770, which is below the national average of $92,790. This difference in compensation can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the specific industry demands within the state and the overall economic landscape that shapes local wage structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,370.
- Outlook: Pennsylvania's food science sector supports a local workforce of 430 professionals. While the Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the presence of a dedicated workforce indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for food scientists and technologists within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Pennsylvania earns-9.7%below the national average.
$40.3
$1,611
$6,981
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Pennsylvania's food scientist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in specialized scientific fields has seen a modest upward trend. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for expertise in food safety and innovation, and advancements in the food processing industry.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Salary progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in Pennsylvania is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries considerably higher than the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated knowledge.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,230 | $24.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $62,828 | $30.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,390 | $39.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $104,713 | $50.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,370 | $58.4 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,616
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $83,770 in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a food scientist's salary in Pennsylvania is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
0.072
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Pennsylvania has 0.78x 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 0.78, Pennsylvania has a slightly lower concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the job market may be less saturated than in other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Scientists and Technologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $94,210↑ 12% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Pennsylvania is $83,770. This typically ranges from $50,230 for entry-level positions to $121,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 9.7% lower than the national median of $92,790.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
No, not significantly above the national average.While the average salary of $83,770 is respectable, it falls below the national average of $92,790. However, the cost of living being at the national average offsets this difference somewhat.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($94,210) and others.
How does Pennsylvania's salary compare to the national average for Food Scientists?
Food Scientists and Technologists in Pennsylvania earn an average of $83,770 annually, which is approximately $9,020 less than the national average salary of $92,790.
What is the job market like for Food Scientists in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 430 Food Scientists and Technologists. The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's Cost of Living Index is 99, meaning it is on par with the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $83,770 provides a comparable standard of living to the national average.
Are there many Food Scientist jobs per capita in Pennsylvania?
There are approximately 0.072 Food Scientist and Technologist jobs per 1,000 workers in Pennsylvania, which is below the national average, reflecting the slightly lower concentration of the profession in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.072 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Scientists and Technologists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Pennsylvania
- All Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Management Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Production Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
- Browse All Jobs in Pennsylvania →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Scientists and Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Pennsylvania