Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Colorado
Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $86,620, a figure that slightly surpasses the national average of $86,470. This marginal advantage in compensation is likely influenced by Colorado's specific economic landscape and the demand for specialized agricultural and environmental expertise within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $133,780.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 530 Soil and Plant Scientists, Colorado demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.7. This suggests a robust demand and a well-established presence for this field within the state's economy, pointing towards a stable job market for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado earns+0.2%above the national average.
$41.6
$1,666
$7,218
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased demand for expertise, and advancements in agricultural technology.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated knowledge and proven track record.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,430 | $23.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $64,965 | $31.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,420 | $32.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,275 | $52.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $133,780 | $64.3 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,104
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $86,620 in Colorado presents a balanced financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While the cost of living is slightly above the national average, the nominal salary offers a comparable, if not slightly improved, purchasing power for professionals in this field.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
0.183
Per 1K Jobs
1.7
Location Quotient
Colorado has 1.7x the national concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.7 signifies that Soil and Plant Scientists are significantly more concentrated in Colorado than the national average. This indicates a higher demand relative to the general workforce, suggesting a competitive yet potentially rewarding market for those seeking employment or career advancement in this specialized sector.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado is $86,620. This typically ranges from $49,430 for entry-level positions to $133,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 0.2% higher than the national median of $86,470.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
Yes, Colorado offers a slightly lucrative environment for Soil and Plant Scientists.The average salary of $86,620 is marginally higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of professionals (LQ 1.7) suggests robust demand.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Colorado salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado is $86,620, which is slightly above the national average of $86,470.
What is the concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado?
Colorado has a higher concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.7, indicating a strong presence in the state's job market.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary?
Colorado's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, meaning it is 5.5% more expensive than the national average. The salary of $86,620 generally provides good purchasing power, though it is slightly above the national average to compensate for higher costs.
What does the job market look like for Soil and Plant Scientists in Colorado?
The job market appears robust, with a local workforce of 530 and a high Location Quotient, suggesting a healthy demand for these specialized professionals within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.183 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 Colorado