The average salary for a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $110,130. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.92x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $110,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $162,590.
- Outlook: The current demand for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-3.4%below the national average.
$53
$2,118
$9,178
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 27.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $76,300, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $162,590.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $76,300 | $36.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $82,598 | $39.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $108,050 | $51.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $137,663 | $66.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $162,590 | $78.2 |
Detailed Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$110,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$110,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $110,130 to $110,130.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.28
Per 1K Jobs
1.92
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 1.9x the national concentration of Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
60 people work as Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.28 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $110,130. This typically ranges from $76,300 for entry-level positions to $162,590 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 3.4% lower than the national median of $114,010.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($110,130), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?
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 San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($111,410) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.28 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA