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Average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary in Merced, CA

Graders and Sorters of Agricultural Products in Merced, CA earn an average annual salary of $37,170, slightly surpassing the national average of $36,000. This localized premium is often influenced by the region's strong agricultural presence, which drives demand for specialized labor in product handling and quality control.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,180.
  • Outlook: Merced, CA presents a concentrated job market for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, with a total local workforce of 210 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 15.57 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized labor pool.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,170

The average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Merced, CA earns+3.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.9

Weekly

$715

Monthly

$3,098

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

Career progression for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles with increased responsibilities. While specific percentile data is unavailable, experienced professionals can expect to command higher salaries, reflecting their accumulated expertise and efficiency in sorting and grading agricultural goods.

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)$27,878$13.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$35,620$17.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$46,463$22.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$42,180$20.3

Detailed Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,170

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,170 in Merced, CA aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Grader and Sorter's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial stability without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

2.713

Per 1K Jobs

15.57

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Merced, CA has 15.6x 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.

Merced, CA exhibits a highly concentrated market for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 15.57. This signifies that the area has a disproportionately large number of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive environment for both employers and job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Productss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Merced, CA is $37,170. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $42,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 3.3% higher than the national median of $36,000.

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

Yes, Merced, CA offers a competitive salary for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products.The average salary of $37,170 is above the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, providing good purchasing power.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($38,430) and Fresno, CA.

What is the average salary for Graders and Sorters in Merced, CA?

The average annual salary for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Merced, CA is $37,170.

How does Merced's salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Merced ($37,170) is slightly higher than the national average ($36,000).

Is the cost of living high in Merced, CA?

No, Merced, CA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for Graders and Sorters in Merced, CA?

Yes, the high Location Quotient of 15.57 indicates a significantly concentrated and robust demand for these roles in Merced, CA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 2.713 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.