Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Washington
Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington State earn an impressive average annual salary of $101,840, significantly exceeding the national average of $92,790. This elevated compensation is often driven by the state's robust agricultural sector, advanced food processing industries, and a higher cost of living that necessitates competitive wages to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $101,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 49.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $154,880.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 310 Food Scientists and Technologists, Washington presents a moderately sized but specialized job market. The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable demand and a well-established presence within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington earns+9.8%above the national average.
$49
$1,958
$8,487
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington have experienced steady growth, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for innovative food products, advancements in food safety regulations, and the general inflationary environment likely contribute to upward pressure on wages within this specialized field.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington State typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial opportunities for salary growth throughout one's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $55,420 | $26.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $76,380 | $36.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $96,020 | $46.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $127,300 | $61.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $154,880 | $74.5 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$101,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,480
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $101,840 in Washington State needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is strong, the cost of living being 15.1% above the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered. Nonetheless, it remains a competitive wage that generally allows for a good standard of living, especially when compared to many other states.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.088
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.94x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that Food Scientists and Technologists are slightly less concentrated in Washington State compared to the national average. This indicates a job market that is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, implying a healthy balance where skilled professionals can find opportunities without facing extreme competition, while employers can still access the talent they need.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Scientists and Technologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Food Scientists and Technologists Salary | $107,030↑ 5% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington is $101,840. This typically ranges from $55,420 for entry-level positions to $154,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 9.8% higher than the national median of $92,790.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Food Scientists and Technologists.The average salary of $101,840 significantly surpasses the national average, and despite a higher cost of living, the compensation remains competitive for the specialized skills required in this field.
Is Washington a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($107,030) and others.
How does Washington's salary compare to the national average for Food Scientists?
Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington earn an average of $101,840 annually, which is approximately $9,000 higher than the national average salary of $92,790.
What is the concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists in Washington?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.94 for Food Scientists and Technologists, indicating that the concentration of these professionals in the state is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Food Scientist salary in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the $101,840 salary is high, its purchasing power is reduced by approximately 15.1% compared to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number imply for job seekers?
A total local workforce of 310 suggests a specialized but established market. This number indicates a moderate demand for Food Scientists and Technologists, offering opportunities for those with the right qualifications.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.088 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 Washington