Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $77,850. 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: $77,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,800.
- Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area supports a local workforce of 1,490 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.33, this sector is more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust and established presence of these roles and a potentially stable job market for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-15.2%below the national average.
$37.4
$1,497
$6,488
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation driven by inflation, technological advancements, and evolving industry demands.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start significantly below the average, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above $77,850, with percentile gaps clearly signifying career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,390 | $21.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $58,388 | $28.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $70,500 | $33.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $97,313 | $46.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,800 | $58.6 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $77,850 in Kalamazoo-Portage aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,490
Total Jobs
12.44
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.33 signifies that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 33% more concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage than in the average U.S. location. This higher concentration suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive market where specialized skills are highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,330↑ 2% | 18 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $69,300↓ 11% | 45 mi |
| Niles, MI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $93,190↑ 20% | 45 mi |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $81,350↑ 4% | 48 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,040↓ 7% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $77,850. This typically ranges from $45,390 for entry-level positions to $121,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 15.2% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, the strong concentration of these roles (LQ 1.33) and a cost of living at the national average make it a stable and potentially rewarding location for career professionals.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($79,330) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage is $77,850, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Kalamazoo-Portage?
An LQ of 1.33 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 33% more concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $77,850 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $77,850 salary in Kalamazoo-Portage has the same purchasing power as the national average, making it relatively stable.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage?
There are approximately 1,490 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Kalamazoo-Portage area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,490 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 12.44 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- All Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Production Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Management Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Browse All Jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI