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Average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary in California

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in California earn an average annual salary of $37,290, surpassing the national average of $36,000. This higher compensation is largely influenced by California's robust agricultural sector and its significantly higher cost of living, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain talent in this vital industry.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,290 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,710.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,920 Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, California demonstrates a substantial presence in this occupation. The Location Quotient of 2.2 indicates a concentration of these roles that is more than double the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these agricultural product specialists within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,290

The average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in California earns+3.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.9

Weekly

$717

Monthly

$3,108

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of product quality and sorting techniques can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential associated with seniority and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$27,968$13.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$36,190$17.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$46,613$22.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$42,710$20.5

Detailed Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,290

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,924

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $37,290 in California for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products must be viewed in the context of a Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services in California significantly impacts the actual purchasing power of this income, making it essential for workers to earn more to maintain a comparable standard of living.

Job Market Context

6,920

Total Jobs

0.383

Per 1K Jobs

2.2

Location Quotient

Major Hub

California has 2.2x the national concentration of Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

California's Location Quotient of 2.2 for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products signifies a market that is highly concentrated with this profession compared to the national average. This suggests that the state has a robust agricultural industry that relies heavily on these roles, making the job market competitive yet abundant for qualified individuals within this specialized field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Productss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products make in California?

The median annual salary for a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in California is $37,290. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $42,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 3.6% higher than the national median of $36,000.

Is California a lucrative place for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary than the national average, but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living, impacting overall financial well-being.

Is California a good place to live for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($35,890) and Visalia, CA.

How does the number of Graders and Sorters in California compare nationally?

California employs 6,920 Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, a substantial workforce that is more than double the national concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.2.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in California?

A Location Quotient of 2.2 means that Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products are employed in California at a rate more than twice the national average, highlighting the state's strong reliance on this occupation within its agricultural sector.

How does the cost of living affect the salary for Graders and Sorters in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, the $37,290 average salary in California provides less purchasing power than a lower salary in a more affordable state, necessitating higher wages to compensate for increased expenses.

Are there many job opportunities for Graders and Sorters in California?

Yes, the high Location Quotient and substantial local workforce suggest a strong and consistent demand for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in California's agricultural industry.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,920 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.383 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.