Agriculture & Environment San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Agricultural Scientist Salary in San Jose, California

The median agricultural scientist salary in San Jose, CA is $124,589 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$124,589
vs State Avg
+$22,248
vs National
+$50,429
Cost of Living
168%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $124,589, which is $22,248 above the California state average of $102,341. Compared to the national median of $74,160, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $124,589 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in San Jose spans from $73,920 at the 10th percentile to $204,960 at the 90th percentile — a $131,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,640, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,200. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $80,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,640
+$32,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,680
+$51,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,200
+$78,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $73,920
25th Percentile $94,080
Median (50th) $124,589
75th Percentile $164,640
90th Percentile $204,960

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$134,971
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$108,274
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$105,307
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$87,509
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in San Jose

Education

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

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in San Jose, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in San Jose, California is $124,589 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $73,920 (10th percentile) to $204,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,589, a agricultural scientist in San Jose earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
San Jose's median agricultural scientist salary of $124,589 is 21.7% above the California state average of $102,341. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $124,589 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in San Jose? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in San Jose 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.