Agriculture & Environment Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median agricultural scientist salary in Tacoma, WA is $81,576 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$81,576
vs State Avg
$-3,708
vs National
+$7,416
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $81,576, which is $3,708 below the Washington state average of $85,284. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $48,400 at the 10th percentile to $134,200 at the 90th percentile — a $85,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,600
+$7,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,500
+$11,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $48,400
25th Percentile $61,600
Median (50th) $81,576
75th Percentile $107,800
90th Percentile $134,200

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$112,723
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$109,757
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$75,643
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$68,227
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Tacoma, Washington is $81,576 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $48,400 (10th percentile) to $134,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,576, a agricultural scientist in Tacoma earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Tacoma's median agricultural scientist salary of $81,576 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $85,284. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $81,576 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Tacoma? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Tacoma 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.