Average Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Merced, CA
In Merced, CA, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $51,730, notably higher than the national average of $45,460. This elevated compensation reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for these vital roles within the Merced region, indicating a localized premium for essential community support services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,880.
- Outlook: Merced, CA hosts a concentrated workforce of 280 Social and Human Service Assistants, with a Location Quotient of 1.3, suggesting a demand that outpaces the national average. The presence of 3.567 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a robust and potentially growing job market for these professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Social and Human Service Assistants in Merced, CA earns+13.8%above the national average.
$24.9
$995
$4,311
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Social and Human Service Assistants in Merced, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the social services sector. This upward trajectory is likely driven by evolving community needs and a sustained demand for qualified professionals.
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants in Merced, CA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, commanding greater responsibility and expertise, can significantly exceed the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential as professionals develop their skills and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,270 | $18.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $38,798 | $18.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $48,840 | $23.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $64,663 | $31.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $59,880 | $28.8 |
Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $51,730 in Merced, CA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is precisely at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, allowing residents to maintain a comparable standard of living without facing additional financial strain.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
3.567
Per 1K Jobs
1.3
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.30, Merced, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.3, Merced, CA, demonstrates a higher concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests a more specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers may actively seek out talent to fill these roles, offering opportunities for those with relevant skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social and Human Service Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $56,850↑ 10% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $49,110↓ 5% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $54,360↑ 5% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $58,830↑ 14% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $62,420↑ 21% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Social and Human Service Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in Merced, CA is $51,730. This typically ranges from $39,270 for entry-level positions to $59,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 13.8% higher than the national median of $45,460.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?
Yes, Merced, CA offers a lucrative environment for Social and Human Service Assistants.The average salary of $51,730 is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($56,850) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's salary compare to the national average?
Social and Human Service Assistants in Merced, CA, earn an average of $51,730 annually, which is higher than the national average of $45,460.
What is the cost of living in Merced, CA?
Merced, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that daily expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Social and Human Service Assistant jobs in Merced, CA?
Merced, CA has a Location Quotient of 1.3 for Social and Human Service Assistants, meaning the job concentration is 30% higher than the national average.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Merced, CA?
There are approximately 280 Social and Human Service Assistants employed in Merced, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 3.567 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Social and Human Service Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA