Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in South Carolina
Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $66,300. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,470, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's agricultural and environmental sectors. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the state's unique economic landscape and the concentration of related industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,960.
- Outlook: The job market for Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina, with a total local workforce of 240 professionals, indicates a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, implying a balanced supply and demand dynamic. While not a high-growth area in terms of sheer job numbers, the consistent presence of these professionals points to an ongoing need within the state's key industries.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina earns-23.3%below the national average.
$31.9
$1,275
$5,525
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for South Carolina's Soil and Plant Scientist salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, increased focus on sustainable agriculture, and evolving environmental regulations likely contribute to gradual salary increases, even in markets with a stable workforce concentration.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential as expertise grows.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,180 | $22.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $49,725 | $23.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $51,550 | $24.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $82,875 | $39.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $103,960 | $50 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,135
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The nominal average salary of $66,300 in South Carolina presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 95.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of a $66,300 salary in South Carolina is effectively higher than it would be in a more expensive state, offering a good balance between income and daily expenses.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.103
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
South Carolina has 0.96x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina is neither exceptionally concentrated nor scarce. This suggests a competitive landscape where employers have access to a pool of talent comparable to the national average. Professionals entering this market can expect opportunities, but significant specialization or unique skill sets may be advantageous for securing top positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $77,570↑ 17% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina is $66,300. This typically ranges from $46,180 for entry-level positions to $103,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 23.3% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is lower, the average salary of $66,300 significantly trails the national average of $86,470, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific role.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($77,570) and others.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect the Soil and Plant Scientist salary?
The cost of living in South Carolina is 4.1% lower than the national average. This means that the $66,300 salary offers better purchasing power locally than it might in a higher cost-of-living state, partially offsetting the lower nominal wage.
What is the concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.96, which is very close to the national average of 1.0. This indicates that the proportion of Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina's workforce is similar to the national proportion.
How many Soil and Plant Scientists are there in South Carolina?
There are approximately 240 Soil and Plant Scientists employed in South Carolina, representing a small but stable segment of the state's professional workforce.
What are the career prospects for Soil and Plant Scientists in South Carolina?
While the market isn't booming, the stable presence of 240 professionals suggests consistent demand, particularly in agriculture and environmental management sectors. Experience and specialization will be key drivers for career advancement and higher salaries.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 0.103 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 South Carolina