Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The average salary for Soil and Plant Scientistss in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $76,550. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,050.
- Outlook: This role remains a specialized component of the broader Durham-Chapel Hill, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-11.5%below the national average.
$36.8
$1,472
$6,379
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Soil and Plant Scientists salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC have seen a slight adjustment of -31.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The earning potential for Soil and Plant Scientistss in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.3x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $38,510, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $127,050.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,510 | $18.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,413 | $27.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $74,010 | $35.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $95,688 | $46 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,050 | $61.1 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $76,550 to $76,550.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $80,240↑ 5% | 18 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $64,390↓ 16% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $76,550. This typically ranges from $38,510 for entry-level positions to $127,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 11.5% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place for Soil and Plant Scientistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Soil and Plant Scientists salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $76,550 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Durham-Chapel Hill, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($80,240) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC