In the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $81,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and demand, play a significant role in compensation levels within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,450.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood metropolitan area supports a workforce of 2,910 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.55, this sector is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated but also less specialized job market. The presence of 5.186 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not dominant, demand for these scientific professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-11.4%below the national average.
$39.1
$1,564
$6,779
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for specialized skills, and regional economic development likely contributed to upward pressure on wages, even if the pace of growth varied.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on advanced knowledge, leadership, and proven track records in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,960 | $22.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,013 | $29.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $74,990 | $36.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $101,688 | $48.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $125,450 | $60.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $81,350 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (100). This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a salary in this field within the region is equivalent to the national standard. While not offering a cost-of-living advantage, it suggests that the nominal salary provides a comparable standard of living to the rest of the United States.
Job Market Context
2,910
Total Jobs
5.186
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has 0.55x 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 0.55 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood indicates that this sector is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these roles, the job market may not be as robust or specialized as in other regions. It implies that professionals might face less direct competition but could also find fewer highly specialized opportunities compared to national hubs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $81,350. This typically ranges from $46,960 for entry-level positions to $125,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 11.4% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $81,350 is below the national average of $91,840, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($72,220) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Grand Rapids is $81,350, which is approximately $10,490 less than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Grand Rapids?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.55, meaning the sector is less than half as concentrated in Grand Rapids compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Grand Rapids affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Grand Rapids is at the national average. This means the $81,350 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the job market size suggest for these roles in Grand Rapids?
The local workforce of 2,910 and 5.186 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a moderate presence and demand for Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,910 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 5.186 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI