Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Wisconsin
Food Scientists and Technologists in Wisconsin earn an average annual salary of $81,230, which is notably below the national average of $92,790. This differential is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local food industry, which may not command the same premium as in higher-cost or more concentrated national hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 510 professionals, Wisconsin presents a moderately sized but distinct employment landscape for Food Scientists and Technologists. The Location Quotient of 1.87 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles within the state compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized demand for these skills within Wisconsin's food sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Wisconsin earns-12.5%below the national average.
$39.1
$1,562
$6,769
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Scientists and Technologists in Wisconsin have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for food innovation, safety, and quality, alongside inflationary pressures and a competitive job market.
Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Wisconsin
Career progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in Wisconsin typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists and technologists with specialized expertise and proven track records can command salaries well above the average, with substantial percentile gaps reflecting advanced responsibilities and contributions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $51,980 | $25 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $60,923 | $29.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $76,090 | $36.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $101,538 | $48.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $128,050 | $61.6 |
Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,390
Adjusted for COL (91.9)
The average annual salary of $81,230 in Wisconsin offers a favorable purchasing power, given the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.9, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary can translate into a higher real income and better quality of life for professionals residing in Wisconsin compared to those in more expensive regions.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
0.174
Per 1K Jobs
1.87
Location Quotient
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin's Location Quotient of 1.87 signifies a job market where Food Scientists and Technologists are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive environment, indicating that employers in the state actively seek and value these professionals, possibly due to a strong presence of food processing and manufacturing industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Wisconsin is $81,230. This typically ranges from $51,980 for entry-level positions to $128,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wisconsin is 12.5% lower than the national median of $92,790.
Is Wisconsin a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, Wisconsin's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $81,230 salary. The high concentration of these roles (LQ 1.87) also points to strong local demand.
Is Wisconsin a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does Wisconsin's cost of living affect a Food Scientist's salary?
Wisconsin's Cost of Living Index of 91.9, being below the national average, means that the $81,230 salary provides greater purchasing power than it might in a higher-cost state, effectively making the income stretch further.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.87 mean for Food Scientists in Wisconsin?
A Location Quotient of 1.87 indicates that Food Scientists and Technologists are more than 1.8 times as concentrated in Wisconsin as they are nationally, suggesting a specialized and robust local job market for this profession.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
With 510 Food Scientists and Technologists, Wisconsin has a substantial, though not massive, local workforce. This size, combined with the high LQ, suggests a stable and dedicated sector for these professionals.
Are there more job opportunities for Food Scientists in Wisconsin than the national average?
While the total number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 0.174, the high Location Quotient of 1.87 implies that the *proportion* of jobs for Food Scientists and Technologists is significantly higher in Wisconsin compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Wisconsin area with a job density of 0.174 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 Wisconsin
- All Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Production Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Management Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Browse All Jobs in Wisconsin →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Scientists and Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wisconsin