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Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Nebraska

Soil and Plant Scientists in Nebraska earn an average annual salary of $71,200, which is notably below the national average of $86,470. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including regional economic conditions, the specific demands of the agricultural sector within Nebraska, and the overall cost of living in the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $71,200 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $112,850.
  • Outlook: Nebraska's market for Soil and Plant Scientists appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 770 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 7 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Nebraska compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand and a specialized job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$71,200

The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Nebraska earns-17.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.2

Weekly

$1,369

Monthly

$5,933

Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Nebraska

Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Soil and Plant Scientists. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The significant salary gaps between experience levels reflect a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$36,450$17.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$53,400$25.7
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$67,150$32.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$89,000$42.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$112,850$54.3

Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$71,200

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$78,414

Adjusted for COL (90.8)

The nominal average salary of $71,200 in Nebraska is significantly enhanced by a Cost of Living Index of 90.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that despite earning less than the national average in absolute terms, the purchasing power of a Soil and Plant Scientist's salary in Nebraska is likely higher, making the effective take-home pay more competitive.

Job Market Context

770

Total Jobs

0.753

Per 1K Jobs

7

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Nebraska has 7.0x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 7, Nebraska exhibits a highly concentrated market for Soil and Plant Scientists, far exceeding the national average. This indicates that the state has a disproportionately large number of these professionals relative to its overall workforce, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive job environment where expertise in soil and plant science is highly valued.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists

CitySalaryDist.
Lincoln, NE Soil and Plant Scientists Salary$68,310 4%86 mi

Comparing salaries near Nebraska

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Nebraska?

The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Nebraska is $71,200. This typically ranges from $36,450 for entry-level positions to $112,850 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Nebraska is 17.7% lower than the national median of $86,470.

Is Nebraska a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?

Yes, considering the cost of living.While the average salary is below the national benchmark, Nebraska's lower cost of living index means your earnings likely have greater purchasing power. The high concentration of these roles also suggests strong local demand.

Is Nebraska a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Nebraska?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lincoln, NE ($68,310) and others.

What is the average salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in Nebraska?

The average annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientist in Nebraska is $71,200.

How does Nebraska's salary compare to the national average?

Nebraska's average salary of $71,200 is lower than the national average of $86,470.

Is there high demand for Soil and Plant Scientists in Nebraska?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 7 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists in Nebraska compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand.

How does the cost of living in Nebraska affect salary perception?

Nebraska's Cost of Living Index is 90.8, below the national average of 100. This means the $71,200 salary offers better purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Nebraska area with a job density of 0.753 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.