Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Washington
Soil and Plant Scientists in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $89,480, notably higher than the national average of $86,470. This elevated compensation is often driven by the state's significant agricultural sector and specialized research needs, which create a strong demand for these critical expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,360.
- Outlook: Washington boasts a robust job market for Soil and Plant Scientists, indicated by a total local workforce of 610 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.59 suggests a concentration of these professionals significantly above the national average, pointing towards a healthy and active demand for their specialized skills within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Washington earns+3.5%above the national average.
$43
$1,721
$7,457
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 Washington have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, environmental research, and the need for specialized expertise in a growing economy.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Soil and Plant Scientists in Washington typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive field experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated knowledge and specialized capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,320 | $29.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,110 | $32.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,360 | $39.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $111,850 | $53.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $123,360 | $59.3 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$77,741
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average salary of $89,480 in Washington is attractive, the Cost of Living Index of 115.1 indicates that expenses are about 15.1% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power may be slightly reduced compared to living in a more affordable region.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
0.172
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Washington has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.59 signifies that Washington has a considerably higher concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists relative to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers may actively seek out talent due to the abundance of these professionals compared to the overall workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $97,450↑ 9% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Washington is $89,480. This typically ranges from $61,320 for entry-level positions to $123,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 3.5% higher than the national median of $86,470.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Soil and Plant Scientists?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Soil and Plant Scientists.The average salary of $89,480 is above the national average, and the high concentration of professionals (LQ 1.59) indicates strong demand and specialized opportunities within the state.
Is Washington a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,450) and others.
How does Washington's salary for Soil and Plant Scientists compare to the national average?
Soil and Plant Scientists in Washington earn an average of $89,480 annually, which is approximately $3,010 more than the national average salary of $86,470.
What is the concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists in Washington?
Washington has a higher concentration of Soil and Plant Scientists than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.59. This means there are about 59% more of these professionals in Washington relative to the national proportion.
How does the cost of living in Washington affect the Soil and Plant Scientist salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. The $89,480 salary needs to be considered in light of these higher living costs.
What does the total local workforce number imply for Soil and Plant Scientists in Washington?
A total local workforce of 610 Soil and Plant Scientists suggests a substantial and established professional community within the state, indicating consistent opportunities and a significant presence in relevant industries.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.172 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Soil and Plant Scientists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Soil and Plant Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington