Agriculture & Environment Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median agricultural scientist salary in Lafayette, LA is $65,261 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$65,261
vs State Avg
$-2,225
vs National
$-8,899
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261, which is $2,225 below the Louisiana state average of $67,486. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $65,261 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Lafayette spans from $38,720 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,880
$-9,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $38,720
25th Percentile $49,280
Median (50th) $65,261
75th Percentile $86,240
90th Percentile $107,360

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$72,677
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$68,227
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$63,778
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$63,036
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $65,261 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $38,720 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,261, a agricultural scientist in Lafayette earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $67,486. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Lafayette? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Lafayette 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.