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Soil Scientist Salary in the United States

How much does a Soil Scientist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Soil Scientist in the United States is $82,188 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Soil Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $119,529
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $65,774 to $101,734
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,830
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Soil Scientist Salaries

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.

How Do Soil Scientists Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Soil Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $90,999.
  • California: $90,654.
  • Massachusetts: $89,445.

Top Paying Cities for Soil Scientist

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:

  • San Jose: $103,664
  • San Francisco: $102,529
  • Oakland: $100,368

What Skills Can Increase a Soil Scientist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 16.67% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Geology (Mentioned in 6.67% Job Postings): 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 (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 16.67%
Geology 6.67%
Environmental Health 3.33%
See More Skills

Soil Scientist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Soil Scientist Salary by Company Size

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

Soil Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$65,774
Average $82,188/year
$101,734
$5,481
Average $6,849/month
$8,478
$1,265
Average $1,581/week
$1,956
$32
Average $40/hour
$49
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

Soil Scientist Salary Growth & Career Path

Soil Scientist

Next Role

For a Soil Scientist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Zoologist role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $84,091 - a projected growth of 2% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Soil Scientist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Soil Scientist

1. Where can a Soil Scientist earn the most?

A Soil Scientist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Soil Scientist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Soil Scientist is $103,664.

2. What is the highest pay for Soil Scientist?

The highest pay for Soil Scientist is $119,529.

3. What is the lowest pay for Soil Scientist?

The lowest pay for Soil Scientist is $50,830.

4. What are the responsibilities of Soil Scientist?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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