Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The average salary for Food Scientists and Technologistss in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $79,770. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.86x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,970.
- 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-14.0%below the national average.
$38.4
$1,534
$6,648
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Food Scientists and Technologists salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 7.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Food Scientists and Technologistss in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $48,090, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $123,970.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $48,090 | $23.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,828 | $28.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $73,650 | $35.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $99,713 | $47.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $123,970 | $59.6 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $79,770 to $79,770.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.173
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 1.9x 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.173 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $81,440↑ 2% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $88,430↑ 11% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $79,770. This typically ranges from $48,090 for entry-level positions to $123,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 14.0% lower than the national median of $92,790.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($79,770), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Food Scientists and Technologistss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($81,440) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.173 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA