Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Soil and Plant Scientists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $97,450. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $86,470, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized industry needs within the region that drive this elevated compensation. The local market's unique economic drivers likely contribute to this favorable pay scale for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,430.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 220 Soil and Plant Scientists and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is nearly on par with the national concentration. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these professionals, indicating a healthy and consistent job market rather than rapid expansion or contraction.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+12.7%above the national average.
$46.9
$1,874
$8,121
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for sustainable practices, and advancements in agricultural technology likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these vital roles.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior scientists with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $68,000 | $32.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,088 | $35.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $103,620 | $49.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,813 | $58.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $120,430 | $57.9 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $97,450 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals considering relocation.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.106
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.98x 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 0.98 for Soil and Plant Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the region is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where opportunities are available, but the field is not overly saturated, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $77,290↓ 21% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $97,450. This typically ranges from $68,000 for entry-level positions to $120,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 12.7% higher than the national median of $86,470.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $97,450 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, suggesting strong earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($77,290) and others.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA salary compare to the national average?
Soil and Plant Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, earn an average of $97,450 annually, which is approximately $11,000 more than the national average of $86,470.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Soil and Plant Scientists in this area?
An LQ of 0.98 means the concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is nearly identical to the national average, indicating a stable and balanced job market.
Does the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, affect the real value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the real value of the $97,450 salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will likely afford you a similar standard of living.
How many Soil and Plant Scientists are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 220 Soil and Plant Scientists employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.106 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA