Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
In Waco, TX, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $70,080. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand specific to the Waco metropolitan area. Localized economic factors, industry concentration, and regional demand significantly influence compensation levels for these vital scientific roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,320.
- Outlook: Waco's market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 970 individuals in these fields. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that while these professions are present, they are not as concentrated as the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The rate of 7.434 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports this assessment of a steady employment environment for scientists in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waco, TX earns-23.7%below the national average.
$33.7
$1,348
$5,840
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waco's science sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for specialized scientific expertise, and advancements in research and development typically contribute to upward salary adjustments across most professional fields, including those within the life, physical, and social sciences.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waco, TX, is typically driven by experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles signify clear career advancement pathways and the increasing value placed on expertise and leadership within the scientific community.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $36,750 | $17.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $52,560 | $25.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,720 | $29.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $87,600 | $42.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $123,320 | $59.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $70,080 in Waco, TX, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a scientist's income in Waco is comparable to that of a scientist earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary offers a standard lifestyle relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
970
Total Jobs
7.434
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.79x 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 0.79, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waco, TX, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not a dominant sector within the local economy. Professionals may find a less competitive landscape compared to major hubs, but also potentially fewer specialized roles or a slower pace of industry growth.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waco, TX is $70,080. This typically ranges from $36,750 for entry-level positions to $123,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 23.7% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $70,080 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($67,150) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's average science salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waco, TX, is $70,080, which is considerably lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the cost of living in Waco, TX for scientists?
Waco, TX, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are science jobs in Waco compared to the rest of the US?
The concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waco is slightly below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.79, indicating a smaller proportion of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for science roles in Waco?
With 7.434 jobs per 1,000 workers in these fields, Waco shows a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities for scientists within its local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 970 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 7.434 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 Waco, TX