As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Soil Scientist in the United States is $40, which translates to an annual salary of about $82,188.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Soil Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $101,734 | $8,478 | $1,956 | $49 |
| Average | $82,188 | $6,849 | $1,581 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,774 | $5,481 | $1,265 | $32 |
A Soil 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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.67% |
| Geology | 6.67% |
| Environmental Health | 3.33% |
Soil Scientist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,188. While startup companies pay approximate $82,188.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $82,188 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $82,188 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $82,188 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,188 |
Understanding how a Soil 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 | $101,734 | $8,478 | $1,956 | $49 |
| Average | $82,188 | $6,849 | $1,581 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,774 | $5,481 | $1,265 | $32 |
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Studies, investigates, and conducts experiments on different soil/plant types to determine use capabilities of soils, and effects of alternative practices on soil productivity. Applies a wide range concepts, practices, and procedures from two or more specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture. May require a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences or a related field with at least 5 years of work experience. May direct the work of a small group of employees. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Typically reports to a senior manager and may be considered the lead for a specific area or unit.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Geology: Geology is the science that studies the Earth's physical structure and substances, the history of rocks, the processes that act on them and the most economic way to use the world's resources.
Environmental Health: A branch of public health that focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters healthy and safe communities.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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