Agriculture & Environment New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Agricultural Scientist Salary in New Jersey

The median agricultural scientist salary in New Jersey is $85,284 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $74,160.

Median Salary
$85,284
vs National
+$11,124
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Agricultural Scientist Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for agricultural scientists seeking high pay. At $85,284 per year, agricultural scientists in New Jersey earn $11,124 more than the national median of $74,160.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $85,284 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $74,160.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: agricultural scientists at the 10th percentile earn $50,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $140,300 — a $89,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $94,925.

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for agricultural scientists across the country.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $55,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,250 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,200
+$7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,400
+$11,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,250
+$17,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $50,600
25th Percentile $64,400
Median (50th) $85,284
75th Percentile $112,700
90th Percentile $140,300

Agricultural Scientist Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for agricultural scientists in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in New Jersey

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in New Jersey? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in New Jersey is $85,284 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $50,600 (10th percentile) to $140,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,284, a agricultural scientist in New Jersey earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for agricultural scientists? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level agricultural scientists earn $55,200, while senior professionals earn $132,250.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for agricultural scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for agricultural scientists is Hawaii at $126,072. New Jersey's median of $85,284 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($91,958) and New York ($90,475).
What is the entry-level agricultural scientist salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level agricultural scientist in New Jersey earns approximately $55,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $132,250.
What city in New Jersey pays agricultural scientists the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for agricultural scientists, with a median salary of $94,925. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.