Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in North Carolina
Soil and Plant Scientists in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $74,040, which is below the national average of $86,470. This differential is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of North Carolina's agricultural and environmental sectors, and the overall cost of doing business within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $74,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,940.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 620 Soil and Plant Scientists, North Carolina demonstrates a notable presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.18 indicates a concentration of these professionals slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for their specialized expertise within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in North Carolina earns-14.4%below the national average.
$35.6
$1,424
$6,170
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 North Carolina have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased demand for agricultural innovation, and evolving environmental regulations.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in North Carolina typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear and rewarding career trajectory.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,610 | $22.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $55,530 | $26.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,240 | $32.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $92,550 | $44.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $103,940 | $50 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$74,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,019
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $74,040 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power, potentially allowing for a higher standard of living compared to more expensive regions.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
0.127
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.18 signifies that Soil and Plant Scientists are more concentrated in North Carolina than the national average. This suggests a robust market for these professionals, where their skills are valued and sought after, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive compensation within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $76,550↑ 3% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in North Carolina is $74,040. This typically ranges from $46,610 for entry-level positions to $103,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 14.4% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $74,040 salary. The above-average concentration of these professionals also indicates a strong local market.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($76,550) and others.
How does the cost of living in North Carolina compare to the national average?
North Carolina's Cost of Living Index is 94.9, which is slightly lower than the national average of 100, indicating that everyday expenses are generally more affordable in the state.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Soil and Plant Scientists in North Carolina?
A Location Quotient of 1.18 means that Soil and Plant Scientists are 18% more concentrated in North Carolina than the national average, suggesting a higher demand and a more established professional community within the state.
How does the total workforce size impact job prospects for Soil and Plant Scientists in North Carolina?
With 620 Soil and Plant Scientists employed locally, the workforce size indicates a substantial presence, suggesting a healthy job market with opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Can a Soil and Plant Scientist expect their salary to increase with experience in North Carolina?
Yes, as with most professions, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior Soil and Plant Scientists in North Carolina can expect to earn significantly more than entry-level professionals, with salary increases reflecting accumulated expertise and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.127 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 North Carolina