In the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $70,790. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, a disparity often attributed to the unique economic landscape and industry concentration found in nonmetropolitan regions compared to major urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,140.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations comprises approximately 980 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the concentration of these roles in Southwest Minnesota is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these specialized skills within the region's specific economic context.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns-22.9%below the national average.
$34
$1,361
$5,899
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 the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these roles.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, characterized by advanced expertise and leadership responsibilities, command substantially higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify these opportunities for 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) | $38,500 | $18.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,093 | $25.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,990 | $30.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $88,488 | $42.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $107,140 | $51.5 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $70,790 in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's real value.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
8.316
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 0.89x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are present in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly concentrated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,630↑ 17% | 17 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $91,200↑ 29% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Minnesota 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 Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $70,790. This typically ranges from $38,500 for entry-level positions to $107,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 22.9% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $70,790 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. The slightly lower concentration of these roles suggests a stable but not booming job market.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($82,630) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $70,790, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the size of the workforce for these occupations locally?
The total local workforce for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is approximately 980 individuals.
How does the concentration of these jobs in Southwest Minnesota compare to the rest of the country?
The Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that these occupations are slightly less concentrated in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in this region?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $70,790 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.316 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 Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area