Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for soil and plant scientists in the United States was $78,850 ($37.91 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $48,680 | $23.41 |
| 25th | $61,660 | $29.65 |
| Median | $78,850 | $37.91 |
| 75th | $103,740 | $49.88 |
| 90th | $138,120 | $66.40 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-1013
- Total U.S. employment: 15,730
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The mean wage of $87,720 sits 11.2% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Across the United States, 15,730 soil and plant scientists are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
Soil and Plant Scientists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,010 | $30.29 | -20.1% | 110 |
| Alaska | $100,320 | $48.23 | +27.2% | 30 |
| Arizona | $83,840 | $40.31 | +6.3% | 270 |
| Arkansas | — | — | — | 110 |
| California | $91,930 | $44.20 | +16.6% | 1,440 |
| Colorado | $75,430 | $36.26 | -4.3% | 460 |
| Connecticut | $67,630 | $32.52 | -14.2% | 200 |
| Delaware | $65,310 | $31.40 | -17.2% | 60 |
| District of Columbia | $107,140 | $51.51 | +35.9% | 60 |
| Florida | $103,240 | $49.64 | +30.9% | 270 |
| Georgia | $65,170 | $31.33 | -17.3% | 210 |
| Hawaii | $84,390 | $40.57 | +7.0% | 60 |
| Idaho | $95,150 | $45.75 | +20.7% | 540 |
| Illinois | $79,490 | $38.21 | +0.8% | 820 |
| Indiana | $80,030 | $38.48 | +1.5% | 440 |
| Iowa | $96,310 | $46.30 | +22.1% | 960 |
| Kansas | $65,670 | $31.57 | -16.7% | 380 |
| Kentucky | $67,340 | $32.38 | -14.6% | 140 |
| Louisiana | $60,200 | $28.94 | -23.7% | 170 |
| Maine | $78,250 | $37.62 | -0.8% | 30 |
| Maryland | $85,020 | $40.87 | +7.8% | 200 |
| Massachusetts | $69,880 | $33.59 | -11.4% | 0 |
| Michigan | $65,390 | $31.44 | -17.1% | 570 |
| Minnesota | $79,610 | $38.28 | +1.0% | 750 |
| Mississippi | $72,690 | $34.95 | -7.8% | 100 |
| Missouri | $76,080 | $36.58 | -3.5% | 220 |
| Montana | $73,920 | $35.54 | -6.3% | 230 |
| Nebraska | $77,500 | $37.26 | -1.7% | 640 |
| Nevada | $71,450 | $34.35 | -9.4% | 90 |
| New Jersey | $91,970 | $44.22 | +16.6% | 130 |
| New Mexico | $69,480 | $33.41 | -11.9% | 90 |
| New York | $77,800 | $37.41 | -1.3% | 260 |
| North Carolina | $76,330 | $36.70 | -3.2% | 570 |
| North Dakota | $65,320 | $31.41 | -17.2% | 410 |
| Ohio | $56,820 | $27.32 | -27.9% | 320 |
| Oklahoma | $63,910 | $30.72 | -18.9% | 100 |
| Oregon | $85,150 | $40.94 | +8.0% | 620 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,550 | $33.92 | -10.5% | 200 |
| South Carolina | $78,850 | $37.91 | 0.0% | 90 |
| South Dakota | $73,590 | $35.38 | -6.7% | 480 |
| Tennessee | $61,950 | $29.78 | -21.4% | 370 |
| Texas | — | — | — | 500 |
| Utah | $59,900 | $28.80 | -24.0% | 90 |
| Vermont | $58,220 | $27.99 | -26.2% | 0 |
| Virginia | $73,920 | $35.54 | -6.3% | 140 |
| Washington | $79,970 | $38.45 | +1.4% | 520 |
| Wisconsin | $66,200 | $31.83 | -16.0% | 680 |
| Wyoming | $55,680 | $26.77 | -29.4% | 50 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Dishwashers — $34,810/yr
- Pharmacy Technicians — $45,750/yr
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — $63,800/yr
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants — $76,590/yr
- Training and Development Specialists — $69,280/yr
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $37,450/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for soil and plant scientists?
The median annual wage for soil and plant scientists is $78,850 ($37.91 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays soil and plant scientists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many soil and plant scientists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 15,730 soil and plant scientists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do soil and plant scientists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $37.91. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.