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Agricultural Technician
Also called: Ag Research Technician · Crop Research Technician · Agronomy Technician · Field Research Technician
What agricultural technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an agricultural technician do?
Agricultural technicians help agricultural and food scientists by setting up field trials, collecting samples, running lab tests and recording data on crops, soils and animals. The median pay is $49,630 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +5.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$49,630$23.86/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.4%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year2,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs19,500Employment, 2025
What agricultural technicians do
Agricultural technicians do the hands-on work behind farm research. They plant and manage test plots, take soil and plant samples, measure growth and yield, run lab analyses, care for research animals, operate small plot equipment and record data for scientists at universities, seed companies, government agencies and farms.
Most technicians have an associate degree in agriculture, plant science or a related field, and learn specific methods on the job. The job mixes outdoor fieldwork in the growing season with lab and data work in winter.
Typical duties
- Plant and maintain research plots
- Collect soil, plant and water samples
- Measure growth, yield and quality
- Run lab tests and prepare samples
- Operate plot planters and harvesters
- Record and enter research data
- Maintain lab and field equipment
Work environment and schedule
Technicians split time between fields, greenhouses and labs, working outdoors in heat and weather during the season.
Schedule: Most work full-time, with long days at planting and harvest and more lab work in winter.
A day in the life
- Load plot equipment and drive to the research farm.
- Take plant height and growth stage notes.
- Pull soil cores for nutrient testing.
- Scout plots for disease and record ratings.
See a full day in the life of an agricultural technician →
Agricultural Technician salary
Half of agricultural technicians earned more than $49,630 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,980 for the lowest 10% to $76,480 for the top 10%.
Full agricultural technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an agricultural technician
- Take science and agriculture classes
- Earn an associate degree
- Get seasonal research work
- Learn trial methods
- Advance
Most agricultural technicians have an associate degree in agriculture, crop science or a related field, plus on-the-job training.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an agricultural technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Field trial methods
- Soil and plant sampling
- Lab techniques
- Data entry and recordkeeping
- Plot equipment operation
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Patience
All agricultural technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Mix of field and lab work
- Contribute to food and farm research
- Associate degree path
- Steady employers like universities and seed companies
Cons
- Heat and weather in the field
- Repetitive measurements
- Seasonal crunch times
- Some roles are grant-funded
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Crop Adviser (CCA): Agronomy credential from the American Society of Agronomy.
- Pesticide applicator license: Needed when applying restricted products.
- Laboratory safety training: Chemical and equipment safety.
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) training: For regulated research studies.
Career path
- Seasonal Field Technician: Support trials.
- Agricultural Technician: Run sampling and data collection.
- Research Associate: Lead trials and analysis.
- Agronomist or Research Manager: Design programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Agricultural Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as take a soil sample and rate plots for disease, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Agricultural Technician vs. Farm Manager · Agricultural Technician vs. Agricultural Inspector · Agricultural Technician vs. Pesticide Applicator · Agricultural Technician vs. Food Science Technician
Agricultural Technician FAQ
Do agricultural technicians need a degree?
Most have an associate degree, though some start with a high school diploma and experience.
Where do they work?
Universities, seed and chemical companies, government agencies and farms.
Is the work outdoors?
Much of it is, especially in the growing season.
How much does an agricultural technician make?
The median annual wage for agricultural technicians was $49,630 ($23.86 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,980 and the highest 10% earned more than $76,480.
How long does it take to become an agricultural technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. Most agricultural technicians have an associate degree in agriculture, crop science or a related field, plus on-the-job training.
Do you need a degree to be an agricultural technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More agricultural technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-4012 (Agricultural technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Agricultural technicians (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.