Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an impressive average annual salary of $109,660, significantly outpacing the national average of $92,790. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's robust food industry infrastructure and specialized demand for these scientific professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $109,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $159,780.
- Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL market for Food Scientists and Technologists presents a compelling picture of concentrated demand. With a total local workforce of 360 professionals and a Location Quotient of 2.91, indicating a concentration nearly three times the national average, the demand for these specialized roles appears robust and well-established within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+18.2%above the national average.
$52.7
$2,109
$9,138
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for food innovation, and the need for specialized expertise likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these professionals.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Career progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis, MO-IL is typically marked by significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear and rewarding career ladder within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $74,220 | $35.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $82,245 | $39.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,270 | $49.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $137,075 | $65.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $159,780 | $76.8 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$109,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$109,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $109,660 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Scientist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.272
Per 1K Jobs
2.91
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 2.9x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.91 for Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis, MO-IL strongly suggests a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This indicates that the region has a significantly higher proportion of these professionals compared to the national average, pointing to a robust industry presence and potentially a competitive environment for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis, MO-IL is $109,660. This typically ranges from $74,220 for entry-level positions to $159,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 18.2% higher than the national median of $92,790.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes, St. Louis, MO-IL is a lucrative location for Food Scientists and Technologists.The average salary of $109,660 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, your earnings offer strong purchasing power.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the St. Louis Food Scientist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis, MO-IL is $109,660, which is substantially higher than the national average of $92,790.
What is the concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists in St. Louis?
St. Louis has a high concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.91, meaning the area has nearly three times the national average presence of these professionals.
How does the cost of living in St. Louis affect salary value?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis is 100, which is the national average. This means the $109,660 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it a financially sound location.
What does the job market size suggest for Food Scientists in St. Louis?
With 360 Food Scientists and Technologists employed locally, and a high concentration quotient, the job market indicates a strong and established demand for these roles within the region's industries.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.272 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 St. Louis, MO-IL