In the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $66,930. This figure stands notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that regional economic factors and industry concentration play a significant role in local compensation levels. The specific demand and economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,830.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, with a total local workforce of 1,590, indicates a moderate presence. The Location Quotient of 0.66 suggests that these roles are less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a potentially less robust or specialized demand within this specific nonmetropolitan context.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-27.1%below the national average.
$32.2
$1,287
$5,578
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan region isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized skills, and advancements in scientific research and application.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by experienced professionals often signifies substantial growth opportunities, reflecting accumulated expertise, leadership responsibilities, and specialized knowledge.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,020 | $21.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $50,198 | $24.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,670 | $29.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $83,663 | $40.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $94,830 | $45.6 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $66,930 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns directly with national living expenses. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of maintaining a similar standard of living is comparable, offering a balanced financial picture.
Job Market Context
1,590
Total Jobs
6.209
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.66x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.66 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area indicates that employment in these fields is less common than the national average. This suggests a less competitive market in terms of job availability relative to the number of professionals, potentially offering a unique niche for those with relevant skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,330↑ 16% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,330↑ 10% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,560↑ 19% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,250↑ 14% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $86,810↑ 30% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $66,930. This typically ranges from $44,020 for entry-level positions to $94,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 27.1% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $66,930 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, despite a national average cost of living. The lower Location Quotient also suggests less market demand.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($77,330) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for these science roles?
The job market in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66. This suggests fewer job opportunities relative to the national landscape.
What is the average salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in this region?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $66,930.
How does the cost of living in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area compare to the national average?
The cost of living in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
What is the total number of workers in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in this area?
There are approximately 1,590 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,590 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.209 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area