Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
In Asheville, NC, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $83,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation in this region. Factors such as the specific sub-sectors prevalent in Asheville and the overall demand within the local economy contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $137,130.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Asheville, NC, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.74 indicating a presence slightly below the national average. The total local workforce of 1,310 individuals in these fields, representing 6.969 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. This indicates a consistent need for these professionals, though perhaps not a surge in new opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Asheville, NC earns-8.5%below the national average.
$40.4
$1,615
$6,999
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Asheville's Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic expansion, inflation, and increasing demand for specialized scientific expertise typically drive upward adjustments in compensation across most sectors, including these vital science fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Within the Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior scientists, researchers, and specialized practitioners with extensive experience and advanced degrees can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect this career trajectory, with top earners often making substantially more than the average, underscoring the value of expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,090 | $22.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $62,993 | $30.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $73,920 | $35.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $104,988 | $50.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $137,130 | $65.9 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $83,990 in Asheville, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Asheville is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial environment for professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
Job Market Context
1,310
Total Jobs
6.969
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 0.74x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Asheville, NC, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not as dominant a sector within Asheville's economy compared to national trends. Professionals may find a more specialized or niche job market, potentially requiring targeted job searches.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,100↓ 13% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $78,290↓ 7% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,510↓ 2% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,820↓ 10% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $89,480↑ 7% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Asheville, NC is $83,990. This typically ranges from $47,090 for entry-level positions to $137,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 8.5% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $83,990 is below the national average of $91,840, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($73,100) and Johnson City, TN.
How does Asheville's salary for these science roles compare to the national average?
The average salary in Asheville, NC, for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is $83,990, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Asheville?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.74, indicating that these occupations are less prevalent in Asheville compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Asheville affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Asheville is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $83,990 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many people work in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Asheville?
There are approximately 1,310 individuals employed in these occupations within Asheville, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,310 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 6.969 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC