FAQ
Agricultural Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an agricultural technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an agricultural technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about agricultural technicians
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.
Is agricultural technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.4% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 2,800 openings each year. Upsides include mix of field and lab work; a common challenge is that heat and weather in the field.
What skills does an agricultural technician need?
Key technical skills include field trial methods, soil and plant sampling, lab techniques, and data entry and recordkeeping. Employers also value attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for agricultural technicians?
Common credentials include Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), Pesticide applicator license, Laboratory safety training, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) training. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Agricultural Technician fit quiz, compare with Farm Manager, or explore Agricultural Technician training.
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.