Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $71,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and industry concentration within the area. The local pay scale is influenced by the specific demand and supply dynamics present in the Auburn-Opelika labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,260.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika region supports a local workforce of 530 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 7.333 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, presence of these scientific fields within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-22.4%below the national average.
$34.3
$1,370
$5,938
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in areas like Auburn-Opelika have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and advancements in scientific research and application, leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Auburn-Opelika typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start significantly lower than the $71,260 average, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well above this mark. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on advanced knowledge and proven track records.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $36,110 | $17.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,445 | $25.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $64,420 | $31 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,075 | $42.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $109,260 | $52.5 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,260 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a $71,260 salary in Auburn-Opelika is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, residents can expect their income to cover essential expenses and discretionary spending at a rate comparable to the rest of the United States, making it a financially stable location.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
7.333
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 0.78x 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 0.78, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Auburn-Opelika is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while these professions are present and contribute to the local economy, they do not dominate the workforce to the same extent as they do nationally. This could indicate a moderately competitive market where opportunities exist but may require specific qualifications to secure.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $71,260. This typically ranges from $36,110 for entry-level positions to $109,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 22.4% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $71,260 is below the national average of $91,840, indicating lower earning potential in this specific region. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($76,530) and Montgomery, AL.
What is the average salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $71,260.
How does the Auburn-Opelika salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Auburn-Opelika ($71,260) is lower than the national average ($91,840) for these occupations.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.78 mean for this job market?
A Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Auburn-Opelika compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not dominant presence.
Is the cost of living high in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
No, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 7.333 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL