Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI, earn an average annual salary of $63,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,470, suggesting that local market dynamics, industry concentration, or specific employer compensation strategies may influence pay rates in this region. The unique economic landscape of Lansing-East Lansing shapes the compensation for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,640.
- Outlook: The local job market for Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 11.35, significantly exceeding the national average. With 1.222 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 260, this suggests a strong, albeit specialized, demand for these professionals within the region, pointing towards a stable employment outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI earns-26.2%below the national average.
$30.7
$1,227
$5,318
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lansing-East Lansing's Soil and Plant Scientist salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and increasing demand for expertise in agricultural and environmental sciences typically drive salary increases for specialized roles like Soil and Plant Scientists.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries substantially higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one advances.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $54,070 | $26 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $47,858 | $23 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,710 | $29.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $79,763 | $38.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $78,640 | $37.8 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,810 for Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced financial landscape for professionals considering a move to or residing in this area.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
1.222
Per 1K Jobs
11.35
Location Quotient
Lansing-East Lansing, MI has 11.3x 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.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 11.35 for Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI, indicates a highly concentrated job market relative to the national average. This suggests that the region has a disproportionately large number of these professionals, potentially leading to a competitive environment for job seekers but also signifying a strong ecosystem and specialized opportunities within the local agricultural and research sectors.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is $63,810. This typically ranges from $54,070 for entry-level positions to $78,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is 26.2% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Lansing-East Lansing, MI a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the Soil and Plant Scientist salary of $63,810 is significantly lower than the national average of $86,470. The high concentration of roles suggests specialized local demand rather than higher overall compensation.
Is Lansing-East Lansing, MI a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Lansing-East Lansing, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Lansing-East Lansing salary compare to the national average for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The average annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing, MI, is $63,810, which is considerably lower than the national average of $86,470.
What does the Location Quotient of 11.35 mean for Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing?
A Location Quotient of 11.35 signifies that Soil and Plant Scientist jobs are over 11 times more concentrated in Lansing-East Lansing compared to the national average, indicating a specialized and robust local industry for this profession.
Is the cost of living in Lansing-East Lansing a factor in the salary for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The cost of living in Lansing-East Lansing is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $63,810 salary provides average purchasing power, neither significantly boosting nor diminishing the effective value of the income.
What is the job density for Soil and Plant Scientists in Lansing-East Lansing?
There are approximately 1.222 jobs per 1,000 workers for Soil and Plant Scientists in the Lansing-East Lansing area, reflecting the specialized nature of this field within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI area with a job density of 1.222 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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI