Average Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a highly lucrative market for Physical Scientists, All Others. With an average annual salary of $153,690, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $153,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $204,400.
- Outlook: The current demand for Physical Scientists, All Others is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Scientists, All Other in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+11.3%above the national average.
$73.9
$2,956
$12,808
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Physical Scientists, All Other salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 6.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Physical Scientists, All Others in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $107,850, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $204,400.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $107,850 | $51.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $115,268 | $55.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $147,320 | $70.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $192,113 | $92.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $204,400 | $98.3 |
Detailed Physical Scientists, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$153,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$153,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $153,690 to $153,690.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.173
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other roles compared to the national norm.
30 people work as Physical Scientists, All Other in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.173 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Physical Scientists, All Other roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Scientists, All Other
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $137,920↓ 10% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Physical Scientists, All Other Salary | $121,680↓ 21% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Physical Scientists, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Scientists, All Other make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $153,690. This typically ranges from $107,850 for entry-level positions to $204,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 11.3% higher than the national median of $138,050.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Physical Scientists, All Others?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is financially attractive for Physical Scientists, All Others. The average salary of $153,690 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Physical Scientists, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($137,920) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.173 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Scientists, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA