Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $71,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within this sector in the Iowa area. Localized industry strengths and the overall economic landscape often dictate these pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,070.
- Outlook: The Life, Physical, and Social Science sector in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, comprises a local workforce of 470 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially developing market. The rate of 5.468 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a moderate presence within the local employment ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-22.2%below the national average.
$34.4
$1,374
$5,953
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical as demand for scientific expertise evolves and the cost of living adjustments are made.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is significantly influenced by experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior roles, requiring advanced degrees and extensive practical experience, can see earnings increase substantially. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one advances from junior to principal scientist or researcher.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,480 | $18.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,580 | $25.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $66,090 | $31.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,300 | $42.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $103,070 | $49.6 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,440 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, 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 standard, making the nominal salary translate directly to the cost of goods and services without significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
5.468
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.58x 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 0.58 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, indicates that this sector is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while opportunities may exist, the market is not as robust or specialized as in larger metropolitan areas, potentially leading to fewer openings but also less competition for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $71,440. This typically ranges from $38,480 for entry-level positions to $103,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 22.2% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $71,440 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840. While the cost of living is average, the lower pay scale makes it less lucrative in nominal terms.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($76,760) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 470 suggests a smaller, more specialized job market. This could mean fewer opportunities overall but potentially less competition for highly skilled individuals.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.58 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies that the occupation is less common in Waterloo-Cedar Falls than the national average. This might indicate a developing industry or a niche market.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $71,440 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $71,440 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means your earnings will stretch similarly to what they would nationally.
Are there many Life, Physical, and Social Science jobs per capita in Waterloo-Cedar Falls?
With 5.468 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of these roles is moderate, reflecting a steady but not overwhelming demand within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 5.468 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA