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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plant Scientist in California is $86,201 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Plant Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Plant Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $106,401 | $8,867 | $2,046 | $51 |
| Average | $86,201 | $7,183 | $1,658 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,201 | $5,933 | $1,369 | $34 |
Sakata Seed America, INC. - Woodland, CA
Recore Electrical Contractors - CHARLOTTE, NC
Jazz Pharmaceuticals - SHANNON PLAZA, NC
ManTech International - WEST SPRINGFIELD, VA
A Plant Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Plant Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Plant Scientist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $86,201. While startup companies pay approximate $86,201.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $86,201 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $86,201 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,201 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $86,201 |
Understanding how a Plant Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $106,401 | $8,867 | $2,046 | $51 |
| Average | $86,201 | $7,183 | $1,658 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,201 | $5,933 | $1,369 | $34 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Plant Scientist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Crop Scientist | $74,300 | -14% |
| Intermediate Biologist | $73,800 | -14% |
| Intermediate Geologist | $76,000 | -12% |
| Intermediate Geophysicist | $115,300 | 34% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Plant Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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