In the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $68,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, a disparity often seen in nonmetropolitan regions where industry concentration and demand dynamics differ from larger urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,200.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 620 individuals in these science occupations, the market in West Arkansas is relatively niche. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-25.6%below the national average.
$32.9
$1,314
$5,696
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation group is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and increased demand for scientific expertise likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation, though regional factors may moderate the pace of this growth.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $36,190 | $17.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,263 | $24.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,730 | $30.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $85,438 | $41.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $104,200 | $50.1 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,350 in West Arkansas aligns perfectly 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 equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal salary is balanced by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
7.179
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.77x 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 0.77 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are slightly less concentrated in West Arkansas compared to the national average. This suggests that while these roles exist and are filled, the job market is not saturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled professionals, though competition could be present depending on specific sub-fields.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $69,970↑ 2% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $70,990↑ 4% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $68,350. This typically ranges from $36,190 for entry-level positions to $104,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 25.6% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $68,350 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($69,970) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 620 suggests a smaller, more specialized job market. While this can mean less competition for certain roles, it also implies fewer overall openings compared to larger metropolitan areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.77 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.77, indicates that these science occupations are less prevalent in West Arkansas than the national average. This could mean fewer job opportunities but potentially less competition for those available.
How does the cost of living impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average. Therefore, the $68,350 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers in this field in West Arkansas?
With 7.179 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a moderate presence of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the region's overall employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.179 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 West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area