Agriculture & Environment Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median agricultural scientist salary in Salem, OR is $75,643 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$75,643
vs State Avg
$-5,933
vs National
+$1,483
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $75,643, which is $5,933 below the Oregon state average of $81,576. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $44,880 at the 10th percentile to $124,440 at the 90th percentile — a $79,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,960, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,300. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $48,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,520
+$1,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,300
+$2,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $57,120
Median (50th) $75,643
75th Percentile $99,960
90th Percentile $124,440

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$87,509
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$83,059
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$80,093
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$77,868
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Salem

Education

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

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Salem

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Salem, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Salem

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Salem, Oregon is $75,643 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $124,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,643, a agricultural scientist in Salem earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Salem's median agricultural scientist salary of $75,643 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $81,576. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $75,643 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Salem? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Salem 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.