SOC 19-1013 · May 2025 · United States
Soil and Plant Scientists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Soil and Plant Scientists across the United States is $78,850 per year, measured over 15,730 jobs. The highest state median is in District of Columbia, at $107,140.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Soil and Plant Scientists
Pay for this occupation varies by 92.4% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. District of Columbia pays $107,140 and Wyoming pays $55,680.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $107,140 | 60 | |
| 2 | Florida | $103,240 | 270 | |
| 3 | Alaska | $100,320 | 30 | |
| 4 | Iowa | $96,310 | 960 | |
| 5 | Idaho | $95,150 | 540 | |
| 6 | New Jersey | $91,970 | 130 | |
| 7 | California | $91,930 | 1,440 | |
| 8 | Oregon | $85,150 | 620 | |
| 9 | Maryland | $85,020 | 200 | |
| 10 | Hawaii | $84,390 | 60 |
States with the most Soil and Plant Scientists jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 1,440 | $91,930 | |
| 2 | Iowa | 960 | $96,310 | |
| 3 | Illinois | 820 | $79,490 | |
| 4 | Minnesota | 750 | $79,610 | |
| 5 | Wisconsin | 680 | $66,200 | |
| 6 | Nebraska | 640 | $77,500 | |
| 7 | Oregon | 620 | $85,150 | |
| 8 | Michigan | 570 | $65,390 | |
| 9 | North Carolina | 570 | $76,330 | |
| 10 | Idaho | 540 | $95,150 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines | $132,290 | 430 |
| 2 | San Jose | $116,660 | 70 |
| 3 | Salinas | $115,910 | 30 |
| 4 | San Francisco | $108,200 | 140 |
| 5 | Orlando | $106,410 | 30 |
| 6 | Napa | $104,120 | 70 |
| 7 | Miami | $103,740 | 100 |
| 8 | Santa Rosa | $101,660 | 50 |
| 9 | Fresno | $100,050 | 90 |
| 10 | Kennewick | $99,110 | 40 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.