Career roadmap
How to Become an Agricultural Technician
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as an agricultural technician, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become an agricultural technician: (1) take science and agriculture classes, (2) earn an associate degree, (3) get seasonal research work, (4) learn trial methods, (5) advance. Most people need about 2 years. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become an agricultural technician
Take science and agriculture classes
Biology, chemistry and FFA help.
Earn an associate degree
Agriculture, agronomy or plant science.
Get seasonal research work
Summer field technician jobs open doors.
Learn trial methods
Sampling, rating and data quality.
Advance
Lead trials or earn a bachelor’s degree.
Education and training requirements
Most agricultural technicians have an associate degree in agriculture, crop science or a related field, plus on-the-job training.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Associate's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 2 years |
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.
Skills to build now
Start with field trial methods, soil and plant sampling, and lab techniques, and practice attention to detail and reliability. Learning the agricultural technician vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Seasonal Field Technician: Support trials.
- Agricultural Technician: Run sampling and data collection.
- Research Associate: Lead trials and analysis.
- Agronomist or Research Manager: Design programs.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Agricultural Technician training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do agricultural technicians need a degree?
Most have an associate degree, though some start with a high school diploma and experience.
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.
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.
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.