Agriculture & Environment Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median agricultural scientist salary in Reading, PA is $65,261 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$65,261
vs State Avg
$-5,933
vs National
$-8,899
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261, which is $5,933 below the Pennsylvania state average of $71,194. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading'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 Reading an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Reading 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. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, 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 Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
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 Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Reading

Education

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

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Reading

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Reading, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Reading

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania 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 Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,261, a agricultural scientist in Reading earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Reading's median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $71,194. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Reading? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Reading 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.