Average Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The average salary for Soil and Plant Scientistss in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $68,540. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 3.46x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,980.
- Outlook: The current demand for Soil and Plant Scientistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Soil and Plant Scientists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-20.7%below the national average.
$33
$1,318
$5,712
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Soil and Plant Scientists salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA have seen a slight adjustment of -0.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The earning potential for Soil and Plant Scientistss in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $52,550, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $84,980.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $52,550 | $25.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,405 | $24.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $64,150 | $30.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $85,675 | $41.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $84,980 | $40.9 |
Detailed Soil and Plant Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $68,540 to $68,540.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.372
Per 1K Jobs
3.46
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 3.5x 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.
30 people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
Only 0.372 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Soil and Plant Scientists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Soil and Plant Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $89,390↑ 30% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Soil and Plant Scientists Salary | $79,270↑ 16% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Soil and Plant Scientists make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $68,540. This typically ranges from $52,550 for entry-level positions to $84,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 20.7% lower than the national median of $86,470.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place for Soil and Plant Scientistss?
Yes, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($68,540), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Soil and Plant Scientistss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Soil and Plant Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($89,390) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 0.372 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA