SalaryNode

Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Salem, OR

In Salem, OR, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $85,110. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand specific to the Salem area. The cost of living in Salem aligns perfectly with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable to the rest of the country.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $85,110 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,360.
  • Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Salem, OR, appears stable with a total local workforce of 1,870 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, implying a healthy demand and a presence of specialized opportunities within the region. With 10.028 jobs per 1,000 workers, the sector demonstrates a consistent need for skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$85,110

The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Salem, OR earns-7.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.9

Weekly

$1,637

Monthly

$7,093

Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Salem, OR, is significantly influenced by experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while mid-career professionals can expect a notable increase. Senior-level roles, requiring extensive expertise and leadership, offer the highest earning potential, with substantial percentile gaps between experience levels reflecting significant career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$42,660$20.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$63,833$30.7
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$82,920$39.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$106,388$51.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$127,360$61.2

Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$85,110

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$85,110

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $85,110 in Salem, OR, is precisely aligned with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of a scientist's salary in Salem is equivalent to that of a scientist earning the national average elsewhere. While the nominal salary is below the national average, the neutral cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers comparable financial stability.

Job Market Context

1,870

Total Jobs

10.028

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Salem, OR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.07, Salem, OR, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where opportunities may be more abundant than the national baseline, suggesting a favorable environment for job seekers in these fields. The presence of these roles at a slightly elevated level points to a specialized regional demand.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Salem, OR is $85,110. This typically ranges from $42,660 for entry-level positions to $127,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 7.3% lower than the national median of $91,840.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $85,110 is below the national average, the cost of living in Salem is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The slightly higher concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.07) suggests a stable market.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($81,990) and Corvallis, OR.

How does Salem's cost of living compare to the national average for science professionals?

Salem, OR, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $85,110 average salary in Salem offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary across the country.

Is the job market for scientists strong in Salem, OR?

The job market appears robust, with a Location Quotient of 1.07 indicating a slightly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles within the region.

What is the average salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Salem, OR?

The average annual salary for professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Salem, OR, is $85,110.

How does Salem's average science salary compare to the national average?

The average salary of $85,110 in Salem, OR, is slightly lower than the national average of $91,840 for these occupations.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,870 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 10.028 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.