Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
In Topeka, KS, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $70,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting localized economic factors and industry demand specific to the region. The Topeka market's unique dynamics, influenced by its specific industrial base and research institutions, shape compensation for these vital scientific roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,430.
- Outlook: The presence of 1,140 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Topeka, KS, coupled with a Location Quotient of 1.08, indicates a stable and slightly above-average concentration of these roles. This suggests a consistent demand for scientific expertise within the local economy, supporting a robust job market for professionals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Topeka, KS earns-23.2%below the national average.
$33.9
$1,356
$5,874
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 Topeka have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and advancements in scientific fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Topeka, KS, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can expect to earn substantially more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation reflects the value placed on expertise and career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,290 | $21.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $52,868 | $25.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,320 | $30.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $88,113 | $42.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $103,430 | $49.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $70,490 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Topeka, KS, for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
1,140
Total Jobs
10.139
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Topeka, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.08 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Topeka, KS, signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, presence of scientific industries and research facilities in the area, indicating a competitive yet accessible job market for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $70,330↓ 0% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $68,660↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $83,260↑ 18% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $68,870↓ 2% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $80,540↑ 14% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Topeka, KS is $70,490. This typically ranges from $45,290 for entry-level positions to $103,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 23.2% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $70,490 is below the national average, the cost of living in Topeka is also at the national average. This means your earnings provide equivalent purchasing power to the national average, making it a financially stable location.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($70,330) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's salary for scientists compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Topeka, KS is $70,490, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of science jobs in Topeka, KS?
Topeka, KS has a Location Quotient of 1.08 for these occupations, indicating a slightly higher concentration than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Topeka affect the salary?
Topeka's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $70,490 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many science professionals work in Topeka, KS?
There are approximately 1,140 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Topeka, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,140 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 10.139 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 Topeka, KS