Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Tennessee
Soil and Plant Scientists in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $67,520, which is below the national average of $86,470. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the agricultural and environmental sectors within the state, and the overall cost of doing business.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,720.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 260 Soil and Plant Scientists and a Location Quotient of 0.75, Tennessee exhibits a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for their expertise within the state's agricultural and environmental industries.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Tennessee earns-21.9%below the national average.
$32.5
$1,298
$5,627
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tennessee's Soil and Plant Scientist salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Over the past four years, it's likely that salaries have seen modest growth, driven by inflation, increased demand for sustainable practices, and advancements in agricultural technology.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Tennessee 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, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $29,540 | $14.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $50,640 | $24.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,420 | $30.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $84,400 | $40.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $125,720 | $60.4 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$74,690
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average salary of $67,520 in Tennessee presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 90.4. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of a Soil and Plant Scientist's salary in Tennessee is effectively higher than the nominal figure suggests, offering a good standard of living.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.081
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.75x 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 0.75 indicates that Soil and Plant Scientists are less concentrated in Tennessee than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $70,360↑ 4% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Tennessee is $67,520. This typically ranges from $29,540 for entry-level positions to $125,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 21.9% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $67,520 is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living means your earnings may stretch further. The market is less concentrated, indicating stable opportunities.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($70,360) and others.
How does Tennessee's cost of living affect salary perception?
Tennessee's Cost of Living Index of 90.4 means that $67,520 in Tennessee has greater purchasing power than the same amount in a higher-cost state, making the salary more competitive locally.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.75 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies a lower concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists in Tennessee compared to the national average. This could imply less competition for available roles.
How many Soil and Plant Scientists work in Tennessee?
There are approximately 260 Soil and Plant Scientists employed in Tennessee, representing about 0.081 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.
Is the demand for Soil and Plant Scientists growing in Tennessee?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable workforce size and below-average concentration suggest a consistent demand, particularly with Tennessee's significant agricultural sector.
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 Tennessee area with a job density of 0.081 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 Tennessee