In Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $77,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the compensation may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local scientific landscape. The unique economic drivers and industry concentrations within this region likely shape the prevailing salary benchmarks for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,190.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas presents a stable outlook, supported by a local workforce of 1,410 individuals. A Location Quotient of 1.16 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady, albeit not overwhelmingly robust, demand for scientific expertise in the region. The presence of nearly 11 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this moderate level of market activity.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earns-16.0%below the national average.
$37.1
$1,484
$6,429
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise segment in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it is reasonable to infer a trend of gradual salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic development and increasing demand for specialized scientific skills typically drive upward adjustments in compensation, even in nonmetropolitan settings, as employers compete for talent and adapt to evolving industry needs.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available within this field as individuals accumulate expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,970 | $21.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,863 | $27.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $70,480 | $33.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $96,438 | $46.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $119,190 | $57.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $77,150 in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas 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. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle opportunities as in higher-cost national areas, though potentially with less disposable income compared to higher-earning regions.
Job Market Context
1,410
Total Jobs
10.877
Per 1K Jobs
1.16
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.16, Western Washington nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.16, Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas exhibit a slightly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is moderately competitive, with a presence of these roles that is more pronounced than elsewhere. While not indicative of an oversaturated market, it implies a stable demand and a supportive ecosystem for scientific professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is $77,150. This typically ranges from $44,970 for entry-level positions to $119,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 16.0% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $77,150 is below the national average of $91,840, indicating lower earning potential in this specific region. However, the cost of living being at the national average offsets some of this disparity.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($99,130) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does the Western Washington nonmetropolitan salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is $77,150, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of these science jobs in Western Washington nonmetropolitan areas?
The Location Quotient is 1.16, meaning these occupations are slightly more concentrated in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in this region?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $77,150 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary benchmark.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations in the area?
There are 1,410 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Western Washington 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 1,410 employees in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.877 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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan area