Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Madison, WI
Soil and Plant Scientists in Madison, WI, earn an average annual salary of $73,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,470, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific agricultural landscape of Wisconsin, influence compensation levels. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living in Madison aligns perfectly with the national average, offering a balanced perspective on purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,660.
- Outlook: The Madison, WI, market for Soil and Plant Scientists, while having a modest total workforce of 210, exhibits a significant concentration with a Location Quotient of 4.73. This indicates a strong presence and demand for these specialized roles relative to the national landscape, suggesting a robust job market for qualified professionals in this area.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Madison, WI earns-15.4%below the national average.
$35.2
$1,407
$6,098
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Madison's Soil and Plant Scientist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in specialized scientific fields tends to see incremental growth. Factors such as inflation, advancements in agricultural technology, and increasing environmental regulations likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trend in salaries for these professionals.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Madison, WI, 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 expertise and leadership responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,850 | $24.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $54,885 | $26.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $72,050 | $34.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $91,475 | $44 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $95,660 | $46 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Madison, WI, the average salary of $73,180 is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Madison is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary figure a fair representation of its real value within the local economy.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.509
Per 1K Jobs
4.73
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 4.7x 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.
Madison, WI, presents a highly concentrated market for Soil and Plant Scientists, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 4.73. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is substantially higher in Madison compared to the national average. Such a high concentration points to a specialized industry presence, potentially driven by local agricultural research institutions or environmental agencies, making it a key hub for this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $63,910↓ 13% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Madison, WI is $73,180. This typically ranges from $50,850 for entry-level positions to $95,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 15.4% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
No, not compared to the national average salary.While Madison, WI, has a high concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists, the average salary of $73,180 is below the national average of $86,470. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering equivalent purchasing power.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI ($63,910) and others.
How does Madison's Soil and Plant Scientist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in Madison, WI, is $73,180, which is lower than the national average of $86,470.
What does the Location Quotient of 4.73 signify for Soil and Plant Scientists in Madison?
A Location Quotient of 4.73 indicates that Soil and Plant Scientists are significantly more concentrated in Madison, WI, than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand and specialized industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Madison affect the Soil and Plant Scientist salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Madison's cost of living matches the national average. Therefore, the $73,180 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Soil and Plant Scientists in Madison, WI?
There are approximately 210 Soil and Plant Scientists employed in Madison, WI.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 0.509 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 Madison, WI