Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
In Merced, CA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $75,950. 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: $75,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,230.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Merced, CA, shows a moderate level of concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.09, indicating a presence slightly above the national average. With a total local workforce of 810 in this sector, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, job environment for these specialized roles.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Merced, CA earns-17.3%below the national average.
$36.5
$1,461
$6,329
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Merced, CA, 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 broader economic trends and inflation. This typical upward trajectory in compensation is often driven by increasing demand for skilled professionals and advancements within scientific fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Merced, CA, typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while experienced professionals, particularly those in senior or specialized roles, can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their acquired expertise and contributions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,300 | $21.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $56,963 | $27.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,830 | $30.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $94,938 | $45.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,230 | $61.2 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $75,950 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
810
Total Jobs
10.246
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Merced, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Merced, CA, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.09 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, signifying a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy, established presence of these roles, indicating a competitive yet accessible environment for skilled professionals in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $86,310↑ 14% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $86,960↑ 14% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $87,930↑ 16% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $97,340↑ 28% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $124,270↑ 64% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Merced, CA is $75,950. This typically ranges from $45,300 for entry-level positions to $127,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 17.3% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the average salary of $75,950 is below the national average of $91,840. The market concentration is only slightly above average, indicating no exceptional earning potential.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($86,310) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's salary compare to the national average for these roles?
The average annual salary in Merced, CA, for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is $75,950, which is below the national average of $91,840.
What is the Cost of Living in Merced, CA?
Merced, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning daily expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Merced, CA?
The Location Quotient of 1.09 suggests a demand that is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these professionals.
How many Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations professionals work in Merced, CA?
There are approximately 810 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within Merced, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 10.246 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 Merced, CA