Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Maryland
Soil and Plant Scientists in Maryland earn an average annual salary of $86,410, a figure remarkably close to the national average of $86,470. This parity suggests that while Maryland's specific economic drivers and demand for agricultural and environmental expertise align closely with national trends, localized factors may be subtly influencing compensation within this specialized field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $153,320.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Soil and Plant Scientists, Maryland presents a moderately sized professional community. The location quotient of 0.85 indicates a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately dominant within the state's overall employment landscape. This equilibrium points to a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these specialists.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Maryland earns-0.1%below the national average.
$41.5
$1,662
$7,201
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 Maryland, mirroring national trends, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing environmental regulations, advancements in agricultural technology, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices likely contribute to a consistent upward pressure on compensation for skilled professionals in this domain.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Maryland
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Maryland typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower than the average, while senior scientists, leading complex research projects or managing large-scale operations, can command salaries well above the $86,410 mark. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of specialized knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and proven track records that employers value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,070 | $22.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $64,808 | $31.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $74,820 | $36 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,013 | $51.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $153,320 | $73.7 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,073
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
The nominal average salary of $86,410 in Maryland must be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 125.1. This index, significantly higher than the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of an $86,410 salary is reduced. Professionals relocating to Maryland will find that their earnings, while competitive nationally, will need to stretch further to cover higher expenses for housing, goods, and services.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.092
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Maryland has 0.85x 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 0.85 suggests that Soil and Plant Scientists are slightly less concentrated in Maryland compared to the national average. This indicates a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce. For professionals, this implies a balanced competitive environment where opportunities exist, but the demand is not overwhelmingly high, requiring a solid skill set and relevant experience to secure desirable positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $100,570↑ 16% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $61,360↓ 29% | 19 mi |
Comparing salaries near Maryland
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Maryland?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Maryland is $86,410. This typically ranges from $46,070 for entry-level positions to $153,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maryland is 0.1% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Maryland a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
Yes, with caveats.Maryland offers a competitive average salary for Soil and Plant Scientists, closely matching the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to lower-cost states.
Is Maryland a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($100,570) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
What is the average salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in Maryland?
The average annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in Maryland is $86,410.
How does Maryland's cost of living compare to the national average?
Maryland's cost of living is 25.1% higher than the national average, with an index of 125.1 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is the job market for Soil and Plant Scientists strong in Maryland?
The market is moderately sized with a location quotient of 0.85, indicating a presence slightly below the national average concentration, suggesting a stable but not booming demand.
How does experience affect salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in Maryland?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less than the average and senior roles commanding substantially higher compensation, reflecting increased expertise and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 0.092 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 Maryland