Agriculture & Environment Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median agricultural scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $108,274 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$108,274
vs State Avg
+$5,933
vs National
+$34,114
Cost of Living
146%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $108,274, which is $5,933 above the California state average of $102,341. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $108,274 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Los Angeles spans from $64,240 at the 10th percentile to $178,120 at the 90th percentile — a $113,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,080, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,900. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $70,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,080
+$22,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,960
+$34,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,900
+$52,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $64,240
25th Percentile $81,760
Median (50th) $108,274
75th Percentile $143,080
90th Percentile $178,120

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$134,971
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$124,589
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$105,307
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$87,509
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Los Angeles

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California 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 Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Los Angeles, California is $108,274 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $64,240 (10th percentile) to $178,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,274, a agricultural scientist in Los Angeles earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median agricultural scientist salary of $108,274 is 5.8% above the California state average of $102,341. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $108,274 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Los Angeles 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.