As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Soil Scientist in the United States is $81,483 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Soil Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.67% |
| Geology | 6.67% |
| Environmental Health | 3.33% |
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 April 01, 2026For 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 $83,369 - a projected growth of 2% over your current level.
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
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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 $102,774.
The highest pay for Soil Scientist is $118,502.
The lowest pay for Soil Scientist is $50,394.
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.
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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