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Average Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Salary in California

In California, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, command an average annual salary of $105,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $117,290, suggesting that while the state offers substantial compensation, it may not fully align with national benchmarks for this specific role. Factors such as the state's robust economy and specialized industry demands likely influence this localized pay structure.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $105,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $148,300.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,650 individuals in this category, California demonstrates a significant presence of Social Scientists and Related Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.61 indicates a concentration below the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of professionals is considerable, the field is not disproportionately represented compared to other occupations within the state. This suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$105,150

The average Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other in California earns-10.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$50.6

Weekly

$2,022

Monthly

$8,763

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated knowledge and proven track record. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$66,790$32.1
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$78,863$37.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$101,110$48.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$131,438$63.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$148,300$71.3

Detailed Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$105,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$75,921

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $105,150 in California must be considered against the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, significantly above the national average of 100, indicates that everyday expenses such as housing, transportation, and goods are considerably more expensive. Therefore, while the nominal salary appears substantial, its purchasing power is diminished by the elevated cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

2,650

Total Jobs

0.147

Per 1K Jobs

0.61

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.61x the national average concentration of Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.61 for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, in California suggests that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This implies that while there is a notable number of these professionals, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering competitive opportunities for skilled individuals. It indicates a moderate level of demand relative to the national distribution of this workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

CitySalaryDist.
Fresno, CA Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Salary$86,560↓ 18%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Salary$95,380↓ 9%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other Salary$99,080↓ 6%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Others?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other make in California?

The median annual salary for a Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other in California is $105,150. This typically ranges from $66,790 for entry-level positions to $148,300 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 10.4% lower than the national median of $117,290.

Is California a lucrative place for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Others?

No, not comparatively.While California offers a high nominal salary of $105,150, it falls below the national average and is significantly offset by a high cost of living, making it less lucrative on a purchasing power basis.

Is California a good place to live for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Others?

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 ($86,560) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.

How does the California salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, in California is $105,150, which is $12,140 less than the national average of $117,290.

What is the concentration of Social Scientists in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 0.61 for this profession, indicating that the concentration of these workers is below the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $105,150 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.

What is the total number of Social Scientists in California?

There are approximately 2,650 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, employed in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,650 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.147 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California