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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plant Ecologist in Virginia is $39,599 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Plant Ecologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Plant Ecologist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,377 | $3,531 | $815 | $20 |
| Average | $39,599 | $3,300 | $762 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,199 | $3,017 | $696 | $17 |
Koch Foods - BULLS GAP, TN
KOCH FOODS - COSBY, TN
KOCH FOODS - MORRISTOWN, TN
KOCH FOODS - PARROTTSVILLE, TN
A Plant Ecologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Plant Ecologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Plant Ecologist | $40,072 |
| Intermediate Level Plant Ecologist | $40,392 |
| Senior Level Plant Ecologist | $41,026 |
| Specialist Level Plant Ecologist | $41,152 |
| Expert Level Plant Ecologist | $41,237 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Ecologists. 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:
For Plant Ecologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Durable and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Plant Ecologist positions in Transportation or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Plant Ecologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $51,479 | $25.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $47,519 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $43,559 | $21.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Plant Ecologist'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 | $42,377 | $3,531 | $815 | $20 |
| Average | $39,599 | $3,300 | $762 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,199 | $3,017 | $696 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Plant Ecologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
KOCH FOODS
DANDRIDGE, TN
KOCH FOODS | DANDRIDGE, TN
Koch Foods, a leader in the poultry processing industry, is seeking a dedicated Plant Nurse to support the health and well-being of our employees within ou... more
2 Days Ago
KOCH FOODS
TALBOTT, TN
KOCH FOODS | TALBOTT, TN
Koch Foods, a leader in the poultry processing industry, is seeking a dedicated Plant Nurse to support the health and well-being of our employees within ou... more
2 Days Ago
KOCH FOODS
STRAWBERRY PLAINS, TN
KOCH FOODS | STRAWBERRY PLAINS, TN
Koch Foods, a leader in the poultry processing industry, is seeking a dedicated Plant Nurse to support the health and well-being of our employees within ou... more
2 Days Ago
KOCH FOODS
ROGERSVILLE, TN
KOCH FOODS | ROGERSVILLE, TN
Koch Foods, a leader in the poultry processing industry, is seeking a dedicated Plant Nurse to support the health and well-being of our employees within ou... more
2 Days Ago
KOCH FOODS
MOORESBURG, TN
KOCH FOODS | MOORESBURG, TN
Koch Foods, a leader in the poultry processing industry, is seeking a dedicated Plant Nurse to support the health and well-being of our employees within ou... more
2 Days Ago
KOCH FOODS
MOSHEIM, TN
KOCH FOODS | MOSHEIM, TN
Koch Foods, a leader in the poultry processing industry, is seeking a dedicated Plant Nurse to support the health and well-being of our employees within ou... more
2 Days Ago
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