Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
In Decatur, AL, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $77,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 550 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, Decatur, AL presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with broader economic trends rather than a specialized boom.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Decatur, AL earns-15.5%below the national average.
$37.3
$1,493
$6,470
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur, AL is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized skills, and advancements in scientific fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Career progression in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the career advancement and increased earning capacity available with experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $43,370 | $20.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $58,230 | $28 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $74,120 | $35.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $97,050 | $46.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $110,570 | $53.2 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $77,640 in Decatur, AL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Decatur is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
9.326
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 0.99x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.99 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Decatur, AL indicates a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution. This suggests that the area has a competitive, yet stable, employment landscape for these roles, with opportunities available but not necessarily exceeding the national supply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $95,140↑ 23% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,070↓ 3% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $65,860↓ 15% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,970↓ 3% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $66,130↓ 15% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Decatur, AL is $77,640. This typically ranges from $43,370 for entry-level positions to $110,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 15.5% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $77,640 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $91,840. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($95,140) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur, AL's salary for these science roles compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Decatur, AL is $77,640, which is lower than the national average of $91,840 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Decatur, AL?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.99, indicating that the presence of these occupations in Decatur is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Decatur, AL affect the salary?
Decatur, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $77,640 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these science roles in Decatur, AL?
There are approximately 550 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Decatur, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 9.326 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 Decatur, AL