In Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $88,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that while the region offers competitive compensation, specific local economic factors or industry concentrations may influence pay rates compared to the broader U.S. landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $134,990.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area supports a robust workforce of 13,020 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.14, this sector is more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a strong and established presence of these scientific roles within the local economy and a potentially higher demand for specialized talent.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns-3.4%below the national average.
$42.7
$1,707
$7,395
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced growth, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for scientific expertise, and advancements in research and development within these fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect to earn considerably more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,330 | $22.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $66,555 | $32 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $81,050 | $39 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $110,925 | $53.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $134,990 | $64.9 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $88,740 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
13,020
Total Jobs
10.729
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.14 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro indicates that this sector is approximately 14% more concentrated in this metropolitan area than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a healthy and potentially competitive job market, where employers may actively seek out specialized talent, and professionals have a good number of opportunities available.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $85,110↓ 4% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,460↓ 15% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $81,990↓ 8% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,750↓ 16% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,820↓ 19% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $88,740. This typically ranges from $47,330 for entry-level positions to $134,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 3.4% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the local cost of living is also at the national average, making the $88,740 salary hold its value effectively.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($85,110) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is $88,740, which is slightly lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The region has a Location Quotient of 1.14, meaning the concentration of these occupations is 14% higher than the national average, indicating a strong presence in the local job market.
How many Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations workers are there in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The total local workforce for these occupations numbers 13,020 individuals.
What is the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro compared to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index for Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is 100, which is exactly the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for salaries.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,020 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 10.729 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA