In the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $69,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different industry focus compared to more densely populated or specialized national hubs. The local market dynamics significantly influence compensation levels for these vital scientific roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,040.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Louisiana appears to be moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 400 individuals in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.53 indicates that these roles are less prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a niche presence rather than a dominant industry. While the absolute number of jobs might seem modest, the concentration level provides insight into the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-24.6%below the national average.
$33.3
$1,331
$5,769
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have seen consistent, albeit potentially modest, growth over the past four years. Economic development, inflation, and evolving industry needs typically drive incremental increases in compensation across most sectors, including scientific fields, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Louisiana, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior scientists, researchers, or specialists with advanced degrees and proven track records can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution serve as a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local job market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $43,590 | $21 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,923 | $25 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $62,290 | $29.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $86,538 | $41.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $97,040 | $46.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $69,230 in Southwest Louisiana aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the salary itself is lower than the national average for these occupations, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home value of the $69,230 may be relatively stable compared to national benchmarks, though specific local expenses can still vary.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
4.995
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.53x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.53, the market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Louisiana is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are not a primary driver of the regional economy and may indicate fewer job openings or a more specialized demand compared to national trends. Professionals in this field might find fewer direct competitors but also potentially a smaller pool of available positions or a need to align their skills with specific local industry requirements.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,460↑ 10% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,940↑ 13% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,580↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,610↑ 3% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $65,680↓ 5% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $69,230. This typically ranges from $43,590 for entry-level positions to $97,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 24.6% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $69,230 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, indicating less competitive compensation in this region for these roles.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($76,460) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Louisiana is $69,230, which is substantially lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of these jobs in Southwest Louisiana?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.53, meaning these occupations are less prevalent in Southwest Louisiana compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This suggests that while the nominal salary is lower, its purchasing power is comparable to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations locally?
There are approximately 400 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.995 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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area