Agriculture & Environment Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median agricultural scientist salary in Raleigh, NC is $72,677 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$72,677
vs State Avg
+$4,450
vs National
$-1,483
Cost of Living
98%

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

Raleigh offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $72,677, which is $4,450 above the North Carolina state average of $68,227. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Raleigh spans from $43,120 at the 10th percentile to $119,560 at the 90th percentile — a $76,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,040, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,700. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,040
$-960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,480
$-1,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,700
$-2,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $43,120
25th Percentile $54,880
Median (50th) $72,677
75th Percentile $96,040
90th Percentile $119,560

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$72,677
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$70,452
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$65,261
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$63,778
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Raleigh

Education

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

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Raleigh, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $72,677 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $43,120 (10th percentile) to $119,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,677, a agricultural scientist in Raleigh earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Raleigh's median agricultural scientist salary of $72,677 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $68,227. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $72,677 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Raleigh? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Raleigh 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.