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Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Soil and Plant Scientists in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $71,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,470, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting influence compensation levels. The localized nature of agricultural science roles often means pay scales are tied to local industry needs and the cost of doing business in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $71,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,210.
  • Outlook: The job market for Soil and Plant Scientists in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area, while modest in total workforce size with 280 professionals, shows significant localized demand. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 17.14 indicates a concentration of these roles far exceeding the national average, suggesting a robust and specialized need for these experts within the region's agricultural landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$71,010

The average Soil and Plant Scientists in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earns-17.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.1

Weekly

$1,366

Monthly

$5,918

Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge and a proven track record can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, generally signify this upward trajectory, with senior scientists earning considerably more than their junior counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$33,380$16
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$53,258$25.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$70,680$34
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$88,763$42.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$105,210$50.6

Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$71,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$71,010

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $71,010 in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, as the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national benchmark.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

1.846

Per 1K Jobs

17.14

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area has 17.1x the national concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 17.14 for Soil and Plant Scientists in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is exceptionally high, indicating a profound concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only abundant but highly specialized, with employers likely seeking candidates with specific regional expertise or a deep understanding of local agricultural practices.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists

CitySalaryDist.
Lincoln, NE Soil and Plant Scientists Salary$68,310 4%86 mi

Comparing salaries near South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is $71,010. This typically ranges from $33,380 for entry-level positions to $105,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 17.9% lower than the national median of $86,470.

Is South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?

No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $71,010 is significantly lower than the national average of $86,470. However, the extremely high location quotient indicates strong local demand for the role.

Is South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?

The Cost of Living Index in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lincoln, NE ($68,310) and others.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A total local workforce of 280 Soil and Plant Scientists suggests a niche market. While the absolute number is not large, the high location quotient indicates this niche is highly concentrated and potentially stable within the region's economy.

What does a Location Quotient of 17.14 mean?

A Location Quotient of 17.14 signifies that Soil and Plant Scientist roles are over 17 times more concentrated in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This points to a specialized regional industry heavily reliant on these professionals.

How does the Cost of Living compare nationally?

The Cost of Living Index in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are comparable to the U.S. average.

Are there many job opportunities for Soil and Plant Scientists here?

Given the high location quotient, there is a significant concentration of demand for Soil and Plant Scientists relative to the national average, indicating strong localized opportunities despite the smaller overall workforce size.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.846 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.