Agriculture & Environment Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median agricultural scientist salary in Tucson, AZ is $68,969 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$68,969
vs State Avg
$-2,966
vs National
$-5,191
Cost of Living
93%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $68,969, which is $2,966 below the Arizona state average of $71,935. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Tucson spans from $40,920 at the 10th percentile to $113,460 at the 90th percentile — a $72,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,640, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,950. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $44,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,680
$-5,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,950
$-8,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $40,920
25th Percentile $52,080
Median (50th) $68,969
75th Percentile $91,140
90th Percentile $113,460

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$83,059
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$75,643
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$74,160
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$71,935
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Tucson

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Tucson

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Tucson

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Tucson, Arizona is $68,969 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $40,920 (10th percentile) to $113,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,969, a agricultural scientist in Tucson earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Tucson's median agricultural scientist salary of $68,969 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $71,935. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $68,969 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Tucson? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Tucson require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.