📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Soil and Plant Scientist Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$102,638
per year
Median
$95,538
per year
Hourly
$49.35
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$66,428
25th Percentile — Junior$86,308
50th Percentile — Median$95,538
75th Percentile — Senior$131,038
90th Percentile — Top Earners$147,989
💡 Top-earning Soil and Plant Scientists in California make up to $147,989 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$86.4k
2021
$89.4k
2022
$92.6k
2023
$95.8k
2024
$99.2k
2025
$102.6k
2026
📈 Soil and Plant Scientist salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Soil and Plant Scientist Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $159,089 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $151,904 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $176,537 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $189,880 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $110,849 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $125,218 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $148,825 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $110,849 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $145,746 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $143,693 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $131,377 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $121,113 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $159,089 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $121,113 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $114,955 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $125,218 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $118,034 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $151,904 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $164,221 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Soil and Plant Scientist Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Soil and Plant Scientists. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $102,638 per year, California's Soil and Plant Scientist 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 $66,428–$86,308, while experienced Soil and Plant Scientists can command $131,038–$147,989.

Looking ahead, the Soil and Plant Scientist profession in California is projected to grow at 3.5% 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
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Soil and Plant Scientist salary in California is $102,638 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $72,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Soil and Plant Scientists 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 Scientist employment.
  • At $102,638/year, California Soil and Plant Scientist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $72,280/year.