Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
In Helena, Montana, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $72,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand specific to the Helena region may influence compensation levels. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local context is crucial for evaluating career opportunities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,550.
- Outlook: Helena, MT hosts a workforce of 1,130 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, representing 25.916 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 2.76 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized local job market that values these scientific professions.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Helena, MT earns-20.8%below the national average.
$35
$1,400
$6,065
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Helena's science sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, increased demand for specialized skills, and inflation typically contribute to upward pressure on wages in professional fields, including Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Helena, MT, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior scientists and researchers with advanced degrees and extensive experience can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile distribution of salaries reflects these career advancement opportunities, with higher percentiles representing greater earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,000 | $22.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $54,585 | $26.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $70,120 | $33.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $90,975 | $43.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $98,550 | $47.4 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $72,780 in Helena, MT, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary within Helena is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for these professionals.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
25.916
Per 1K Jobs
2.76
Location Quotient
Helena, MT has 2.8x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.76, Helena, MT, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where these skills are in demand, offering professionals a strong presence and potentially more opportunities within this sector than in a less concentrated area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Helena, MT is $72,780. This typically ranges from $47,000 for entry-level positions to $98,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 20.8% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Helena, MT a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $72,780 is below the national average, the high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 2.76) and an equivalent cost of living suggest a stable and specialized market.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($73,390) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Helena's average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Helena, MT is $72,780, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.76 mean for Helena?
A Location Quotient of 2.76 signifies that Helena has 2.76 times the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, indicating a strong local presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Helena affect the salary?
Helena's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $72,780 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What is the total number of science professionals in Helena?
There are approximately 1,130 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within Helena, MT.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 25.916 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 Helena, MT