Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in Salinas, CA
The median pay for a soil and plant scientists in Salinas, CA is $97,760/year ($47/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $47K at the entry level to $174K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.04), so that salary is closer to $89,655 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,684/month — about 43.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $98K get you in Salinas?
About soil and plant scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salinas, CA
Entry-level soil and plant scientists (10th percentile) start around $47K. Mid-career wages sit at $98K.Top earners bring in $174K or more - a $127K spread from bottom to top.
Soil and Plant Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $101K | +41% | 60 |
| Idaho | $90K | +27% | 430 |
| Maine | $88K | +24% | 60 |
| Connecticut | $88K | +23% | 170 |
| New Jersey | $85K | +19% | 160 |
| Arkansas | $85K | +18% | N/A |
| Washington | $82K | +15% | 610 |
| California | $81K | +13% | 1,710 |
| Indiana | $80K | +12% | 520 |
| Mississippi | $80K | +12% | 60 |
| Oregon | $79K | +11% | 490 |
| Ohio | $79K | +11% | 270 |
| Florida | $78K | +9% | 290 |
| Wyoming | $78K | +9% | 60 |
| Nevada | $77K | +8% | 40 |
Track soil and plant scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Salinas numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do soil and plant scientists make in Salinas, CA?
The median is $97,760 a year - that works out to about $47 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $46,660, and experienced soil and plant scientists can clear $173,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $98K enough to live in Salinas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,994/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,684/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 44.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a soil and plant scientists salary go in Salinas?
Salinas has a Regional Price Parity of 109.04 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median soil and plant scientists salary is worth about $89,655 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do soil and plant scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.