Agricultural Sciences Professor Career Guide

What does an agricultural sciences professor do?

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in agriculture, including agronomy, animal science, food science and agricultural economics, and conduct research. The median pay is $98,700 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$98,700
Annual salary · May 2025
Job growth
+2.9%
2025–35, about as fast as average
Openings per year
800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
10,900
Employment, 2025

What agricultural sciences professors do

Agricultural sciences professors connect science to farms and food. They teach agronomy, animal science, soil science, food science and agricultural business, run research plots and livestock studies, work with extension services to share findings with farmers, and train the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Most hold a Ph.D.; many work at land-grant universities with extension and research stations.

Typical duties

Teach agriculture courses
Run field and lab research
Work with extension programs
Advise students and clubs
Write grants
Publish research
Share findings with farmers

Work environment and schedule

Faculty work in classrooms, labs, research farms and in the field.

Schedule: Field research follows growing seasons, with busy springs and falls.

A day in the life

7:30 AMCheck research plots.
9:00 AMTeach soil science.
11:00 AMMeet graduate students.
1:00 PMSpeak at an extension field day.

See a full day in the life of an agricultural sciences professor →

Agricultural Sciences Professor salary

Half of agricultural sciences professors earned more than $98,700 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $50,870 for the lowest 10% to $163,150 for the top 10%.

$50,87010th$98,700Median$163,15090th

Full agricultural sciences professor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an agricultural sciences professor

Earn an agriculture bachelor’s
Do research
Complete a Ph.D.
Gain extension experience
Get hired

A Ph.D. in an agricultural science is typical; community colleges may accept a master’s degree.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an agricultural sciences professor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Agronomy or animal science
Field research design
Statistics
Extension education
Grant writing

People skills

Communication with farmers
Mentoring
Practical problem solving
Patience

All agricultural sciences professor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Real-world impact on farming
Mix of field and classroom
Extension outreach
Steady land-grant positions

Cons

Seasonal research demands
Grant dependence
Rural locations
Long training

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D. in agricultural science: Doctoral degree.
Certified Crop Adviser: Valued credential.
Extension appointment: Outreach role.
Research grants: USDA and others.

Career path

Graduate Researcher: Train.
Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
Associate Professor: Tenure.
Professor or Department Head: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Agricultural Sciences Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as present research at a field day and design a field trial for a class, safety and how to land your first job.

View Agricultural Sciences Professor training Is this career right for me?

Agricultural Technician

Support crop, soil and livestock research in fields and labs.

$49,630
2 years

Farm Manager

Run farms and ranches, from planting and livestock to budgets and sales.

$89,900
5+ years of farm experience

Extension Educator

Bring university research to farmers, families and communities.

$60,220
Master’s plus field experience

Soil and Plant Scientist

Study soils and crops to help farmers grow more with less.

$78,850
4-year degree

Compare: Agriculture Professor vs. Agricultural Technician · Agriculture Professor vs. Farm Manager · Agriculture Professor vs. Extension Educator · Agriculture Professor vs. Soil and Plant Scientist

Agricultural Sciences Professor FAQ

Where do agriculture professors work?

Mostly at land-grant universities and community colleges.

Do they work with farmers?

Many do through extension programs.

Do they need a Ph.D.?

Usually at universities.

How much does an agricultural sciences professor make?

The median annual wage for agricultural sciences professors was $98,700 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,870 and the highest 10% earned more than $163,150.

How long does it take to become an agricultural sciences professor?

Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in an agricultural science is typical; community colleges may accept a master’s degree.

Do you need a degree to be an agricultural sciences professor?

Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.

More agricultural sciences professor questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1041 (Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Agricultural Sciences Professor