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Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$91,930
Median Annual Salary
▲
+13.5% vs 2024
$99,260
Mean Salary
$91,930
Median Salary
$44.20
Hourly Rate
1,440 people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in California
Soil and Plant Scientists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Soil and Plant Scientists in California earn a median salary of $91,930 per year ($7,660/month).
This is 22.0% above the national average of $75,370.
California ranks #7 out of 46 states for Soil and Plant Scientists pay.
Approximately 1,440 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 13.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Soil and Plant Scientists
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Science
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Learning
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Biology
4.43
English Language
4.05
Computers and Electronics
3.86
Chemistry
3.84
Mathematics
3.76
Typical Education: Master's Degree
(28.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Soil and Plant Scientists in California
Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in California range from $49,350 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $154,830 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $73,270 and $120,310.
How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in California?
The median annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in California is $91,930 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $99,260.
What is the salary range for a Soil and Plant Scientists in California?
Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in California range from $49,350 at the 10th percentile to $154,830 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $73,270 and $120,310.
What is the starting salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in California?
Entry-level Soil and Plant Scientists positions in California typically start around $49,350 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $73,270 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,440 people are employed as Soil and Plant Scientists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in California is approximately $44.20 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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