Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Virginia
Soil and Plant Scientists in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $79,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,470, suggesting that regional economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within the state. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local market context is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,350.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 Soil and Plant Scientists, Virginia presents a niche but stable employment landscape for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.5 indicates a concentration that is half the national average, suggesting that while the field is present, it is not as densely populated as in other regions. This can imply a steady demand for specialized expertise without overwhelming competition.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Virginia earns-7.8%below the national average.
$38.4
$1,534
$6,647
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Virginia's Soil and Plant Scientist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries in specialized scientific fields tend to experience consistent, albeit modest, growth. Factors such as inflation, advancements in agricultural technology, and increased focus on sustainable practices likely contribute to a gradual upward trend in compensation for these roles.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Virginia
Experience significantly influences earning potential for Soil and Plant Scientists. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly signify the career progression and increased earning capacity associated with advancing through senior and lead scientist roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $48,280 | $23.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,820 | $28.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $71,030 | $34.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $99,700 | $47.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $116,350 | $55.9 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,659
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $79,760 in Virginia for Soil and Plant Scientists aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This index, just slightly above the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of the local salary is relatively stable compared to the rest of the country. While not as high as in some more expensive states, the salary offers a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.054
Per 1K Jobs
0.5
Location Quotient
Virginia has 0.50x 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 0.5 for Soil and Plant Scientists in Virginia indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the state is half that of the national average. This suggests a less saturated job market, which could translate into greater opportunities for skilled individuals. Employers may actively seek out talent, potentially leading to competitive offers for those with specialized knowledge in soil health and plant science.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $77,870↓ 2% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Virginia is $79,760. This typically ranges from $48,280 for entry-level positions to $116,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 7.8% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $79,760 is below the national average of $86,470, indicating lower compensation. However, the cost of living is only slightly above average, making the salary's purchasing power relatively stable.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($77,870) and others.
How does Virginia's salary for Soil and Plant Scientists compare to the national average?
Soil and Plant Scientists in Virginia earn an average of $79,760 annually, which is approximately $6,710 less than the national average of $86,470.
What is the concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists in Virginia?
Virginia has a lower concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.5, meaning the field is half as prevalent as it is nationwide.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the salary of a Soil and Plant Scientist?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia is only slightly more expensive than the national average. This means the $79,760 salary offers purchasing power that is close to the national average, despite being nominally lower.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.5 signify for Soil and Plant Scientist jobs in Virginia?
A Location Quotient of 0.5 suggests that Soil and Plant Scientist roles are less common in Virginia than the national average, potentially indicating a less competitive market and a higher demand for specialized skills.
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 Virginia area with a job density of 0.054 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 Virginia