Agriculture & Environment Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median agricultural scientist salary in Sacramento, CA is $87,509 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$87,509
vs State Avg
$-14,832
vs National
+$13,349
Cost of Living
118%

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

Sacramento offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $87,509, which is $14,832 below the California state average of $102,341. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,509 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Sacramento spans from $51,920 at the 10th percentile to $143,960 at the 90th percentile — a $92,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,640, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,700. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $56,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,640
+$8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,680
+$13,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,700
+$20,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $51,920
25th Percentile $66,080
Median (50th) $87,509
75th Percentile $115,640
90th Percentile $143,960

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$134,971
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$124,589
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$108,274
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$105,307
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Sacramento

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Sacramento, California is $87,509 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $51,920 (10th percentile) to $143,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,509, a agricultural scientist in Sacramento earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median agricultural scientist salary of $87,509 is 14.5% below the California state average of $102,341. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $87,509 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Sacramento? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Sacramento 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.