Agriculture & Environment Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median agricultural scientist salary in Independence, MO is $63,036 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$63,036
vs State Avg
$-2,225
vs National
$-11,124
Cost of Living
85%

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

Independence offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $63,036, which is $2,225 below the Missouri state average of $65,261. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $63,036 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Independence spans from $37,400 at the 10th percentile to $103,700 at the 90th percentile — a $66,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,800, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,750. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $40,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,600
$-11,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,750
$-17,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $37,400
25th Percentile $47,600
Median (50th) $63,036
75th Percentile $83,300
90th Percentile $103,700

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$68,227
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$66,744
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$65,261
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$60,811
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Independence

Education

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

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Independence

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Independence

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Independence, Missouri is $63,036 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $37,400 (10th percentile) to $103,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,036, a agricultural scientist in Independence earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Independence's median agricultural scientist salary of $63,036 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $65,261. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $63,036 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Independence? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Independence 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.