Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Pennsylvania
Soil and Plant Scientists in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $71,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,470, suggesting that regional economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within the state. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $113,110.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 260 Soil and Plant Scientists, Pennsylvania exhibits a concentrated but not overwhelmingly large presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.41 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Pennsylvania compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially moderate demand relative to the national landscape. The low number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.044) further reinforces this observation, pointing to a specialized niche within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Pennsylvania earns-17.2%below the national average.
$34.4
$1,377
$5,968
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Soil and Plant Scientist salary trends in Pennsylvania is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trajectory mirroring national trends. Over the past four years, the agricultural and environmental sectors have seen increased investment and regulatory focus, which typically correlates with salary growth for specialized roles like Soil and Plant Scientists. This suggests that professionals in this field in Pennsylvania have likely experienced incremental salary increases, driven by evolving industry needs and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
The salary progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Pennsylvania typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized expertise can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly signify career progression and the increasing value placed on accumulated knowledge and practical application in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,680 | $21.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,708 | $25.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $64,650 | $31.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,513 | $43 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $113,110 | $54.4 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$72,333
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $71,610 for Soil and Plant Scientists in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 99. This means that the nominal salary earned in Pennsylvania offers purchasing power that is very similar to the national average. Therefore, for individuals considering relocation, the financial impact of moving to Pennsylvania for this role is likely to be neutral in terms of cost of living adjustments, allowing the salary to maintain its relative value.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.044
Per 1K Jobs
0.41
Location Quotient
At 0.41x, Pennsylvania has a notably lower concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.41 for Soil and Plant Scientists in Pennsylvania indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. An LQ below 1.0 suggests that the job market for these scientists is not as robust or as prevalent in Pennsylvania as it is nationwide. This could imply fewer job openings or a smaller pool of employers actively seeking these specialized skills within the state, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Pennsylvania is $71,610. This typically ranges from $44,680 for entry-level positions to $113,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 17.2% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
No, not compared to the national average.Soil and Plant Scientists in Pennsylvania earn an average of $71,610 annually, which is below the national average of $86,470. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the lower salary indicates less lucrative compensation within the state.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect the Soil and Plant Scientist salary?
Pennsylvania's cost of living index is 99, which is virtually identical to the national average. This means the $71,610 salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the state, as expenses are not significantly higher or lower than the national norm.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.41 mean for job opportunities?
A Location Quotient of 0.41 signifies that Soil and Plant Scientist roles are less concentrated in Pennsylvania than the national average. This suggests fewer available positions and potentially a more competitive job market for aspiring scientists in the state.
How does the total workforce size impact the job market?
With a total local workforce of 260 Soil and Plant Scientists, the field represents a niche within Pennsylvania. This smaller workforce size, combined with the low jobs per 1,000 workers metric, indicates specialized demand rather than widespread employment opportunities.
Should I expect salary growth as an experienced Soil and Plant Scientist in Pennsylvania?
Yes, experience is a significant factor in salary growth for Soil and Plant Scientists. As professionals gain expertise and advance in their careers, their earning potential in Pennsylvania is expected to increase substantially beyond the average salary.
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 Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.044 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 Pennsylvania