Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Soil and Plant Scientists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $103,190. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $86,470, indicating a premium for expertise in this region. The higher compensation is likely driven by the area's robust agricultural sector, advanced research institutions, and the high demand for specialized environmental and agricultural knowledge.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $103,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $153,890.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 210 Soil and Plant Scientists and a Location Quotient of 0.81, the job market in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, shows a moderate concentration compared to the national average. While not exceptionally concentrated, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests consistent demand for these specialized roles within the region's unique environmental and agricultural landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+19.3%above the national average.
$49.6
$1,984
$8,599
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in specialized scientific fields. Factors such as increasing environmental regulations, advancements in agricultural technology, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices likely contribute to upward salary pressure.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive research, project management, or specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of critical skills, knowledge, and proven track records.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $71,000 | $34.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,393 | $37.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $96,540 | $46.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $128,988 | $62 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $153,890 | $74 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$103,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $103,190 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is precisely at the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Soil and Plant Scientists here offers a purchasing power that is on par with the national average, making the compensation highly competitive and sustainable within the local economic environment.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.088
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.81x 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 0.81 suggests that Soil and Plant Scientists are slightly less concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area compared to the national average. This indicates that while the field is present and valued, it is not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals seeking employment without facing extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Napa, CA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $96,500↓ 6% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $113,380↑ 10% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $92,300↓ 11% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $103,190. This typically ranges from $71,000 for entry-level positions to $153,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 19.3% higher than the national median of $86,470.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists.The average salary of $103,190 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Napa, CA ($96,500) and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA.
How does the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $103,190, which is considerably higher than the national average of $86,470.
What is the Cost of Living like for Soil and Plant Scientists in this area?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is there high demand for Soil and Plant Scientists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.
What factors contribute to the higher salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in this region?
The higher compensation is likely influenced by the region's advanced research facilities, environmental regulations, and the demand for specialized agricultural and ecological expertise.
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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.088 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA