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Average Natural Sciences Managers Salary in California

Natural Sciences Managers in California command an impressive average annual salary of $219,470, significantly surpassing the national average of $185,920. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for specialized scientific expertise, and the state's thriving innovation sectors, which necessitate top-tier scientific leadership.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $219,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $329,205.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 14,120 Natural Sciences Managers, California demonstrates a strong and established presence in this field. The location quotient of 1.2 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 20% higher than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a healthy job market for professionals in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$219,470

The average Natural Sciences Managers in California earns+18.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$105.5

Weekly

$4,221

Monthly

$18,289

Natural Sciences Managers Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Natural Sciences Managers in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but seasoned professionals with extensive research, management, and leadership experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated expertise and proven track records.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$121,420$58.4
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$164,603$79.1
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$204,100$98.1
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$274,338$131.9
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$329,205$158.3

Detailed Natural Sciences Managers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$219,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$158,462

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $219,470 in California is substantial, it must be considered within the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, which is 38.5% higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost regions. Careful budgeting is essential for maintaining a high standard of living.

Job Market Context

14,120

Total Jobs

0.782

Per 1K Jobs

1.2

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.20, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Natural Sciences Managers roles compared to the national norm.

The location quotient of 1.2 for Natural Sciences Managers in California signifies a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively competitive, with more opportunities available than in a typical state, but also potentially more professionals vying for those positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Natural Sciences Managers

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Natural Sciences Managerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Natural Sciences Managers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Natural Sciences Managers in California is $219,470. This typically ranges from $121,420 for entry-level positions to $329,205 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 18.0% higher than the national median of $185,920.

Is California a lucrative place for Natural Sciences Managers?

Yes, California is a highly lucrative state for Natural Sciences Managers.The average salary of $219,470 significantly exceeds the national average, and the higher concentration of these roles indicates strong market demand.

Is California a good place to live for Natural Sciences Managers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($148,600) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.

How does California's cost of living affect the Natural Sciences Manager salary?

California's cost of living is 38.5% higher than the national average. While the $219,470 salary is substantial, it will afford less purchasing power than in lower-cost states, requiring careful financial planning.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.2 mean for Natural Sciences Managers in California?

A location quotient of 1.2 means that Natural Sciences Managers are 20% more concentrated in California than the national average. This indicates a stronger presence and potentially more job opportunities in the state.

How many Natural Sciences Managers work in California?

There are approximately 14,120 Natural Sciences Managers employed in California, reflecting a significant workforce in this specialized field.

Are there more Natural Sciences Manager jobs per capita in California compared to the national average?

Yes, California has 0.782 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a greater density of these roles within the state's workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,120 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.782 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.