Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in California
Soil and Plant Scientists in California earn an average annual salary of $91,660, surpassing the national average of $86,470. This higher compensation is often driven by California's robust agricultural sector, extensive research institutions, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates greater pay to attract and retain specialized talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $141,290.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,710 Soil and Plant Scientists, California presents a substantial, albeit slightly below-average concentration (Location Quotient of 0.88) of these professionals compared to the national landscape. This indicates a solid presence and ongoing demand for expertise within the state's diverse environmental and agricultural industries, suggesting a stable job market for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in California earns+6.0%above the national average.
$44.1
$1,763
$7,638
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing environmental regulations, advancements in agricultural technology, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for these vital roles.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in California
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise, leadership, and advanced problem-solving capabilities in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,950 | $23.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $68,745 | $33.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,960 | $38.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $114,575 | $55.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $141,290 | $67.9 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,181
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal salary of $91,660 in California is attractive, it's crucial to consider the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a Soil and Plant Scientist's salary in California is somewhat diminished compared to states with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting.
Job Market Context
1,710
Total Jobs
0.094
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
California has 0.88x the national average concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists 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 0.88 suggests that Soil and Plant Scientists are slightly less concentrated in California than the national average. This doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of opportunity, but rather that the field may not be as hyper-specialized or dominant as in some other regions. It implies a competitive market where skilled professionals can find roles, but perhaps with a broader range of employers and applications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Visalia, CA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $66,110↓ 28% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $89,620↓ 2% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $71,460↓ 22% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $80,190↓ 13% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in California is $91,660. This typically ranges from $47,950 for entry-level positions to $141,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 6.0% higher than the national median of $86,470.
Is California a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary than the national average for Soil and Plant Scientists. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.
Is California a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
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 Visalia, CA ($66,110) and Fresno, CA.
What is the average salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in California?
The average annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in California is $91,660.
How does California's salary compare to the national average?
Soil and Plant Scientists in California earn approximately $5,190 more per year on average than their national counterparts.
How does the cost of living in California affect salary?
California's Cost of Living Index is 138.5, meaning expenses are significantly higher than the national average, which impacts the effective purchasing power of the $91,660 salary.
Is the job market for Soil and Plant Scientists strong in California?
With a workforce of 1,710 and a Location Quotient of 0.88, the market is substantial, indicating consistent demand for these professionals within the state's agricultural and environmental sectors.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,710 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.094 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Soil and Plant Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California