📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$111,158
per year
Median
$104,058
per year
Hourly
$53.44
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$72,179
25th Percentile — Junior$92,343
50th Percentile — Median$104,058
75th Percentile — Senior$137,712
90th Percentile — Top Earners$154,521
💡 Top-earning Soil and Plant Scientistss in California make up to $154,521 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$92.2k
2021
$95.8k
2022
$99.4k
2023
$103.2k
2024
$107.1k
2025
$111.2k
2026
📈 Soil and Plant Scientists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Soil and Plant Scientists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $172,295 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $164,514 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $191,192 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $205,642 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $120,051 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $135,613 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $161,179 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $120,051 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $157,844 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $155,621 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $142,282 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $131,166 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $172,295 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $131,166 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $124,497 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $135,613 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $127,832 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $164,514 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $177,853 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Soil and Plant Scientists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Soil and Plant Scientistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $111,158 per year, California's Soil and Plant Scientists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $72,179–$92,343, while experienced Soil and Plant Scientistss can command $137,712–$154,521.

Looking ahead, the Soil and Plant Scientists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Soil and Plant Scientists salary in California is $111,158 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $78,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Soil and Plant Scientistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Soil and Plant Scientists employment.
  • At $111,158/year, California Soil and Plant Scientists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $78,280/year.