Agricultural Technician
Support crop, soil and livestock research in fields and labs.
- $49,630
- 2 years
Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career
Soil and Plant Scientist
Also called: Agronomist · Soil Scientist · Crop Scientist · Plant Breeder
What soil and plant scientists 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 a soil and plant scientist do?
Soil and plant scientists conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield and management of crops and agricultural plants, and soil composition. The median pay is $78,850 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year degree, and employment is projected to grow +6.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$78,850$37.91/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.7%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year1,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4-year degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs19,900Employment, 2025
What soil and plant scientists do
Soil and plant scientists help crops thrive. They test soils, breed better crops, research pests and diseases, advise farmers on fertility and conservation, and support seed and fertilizer companies.
A bachelor’s degree is typical; research roles often need a graduate degree. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Test soils
- Breed crops
- Research pests
- Advise farmers
- Run field trials
- Recommend fertilizer
- Promote conservation
Work environment and schedule
Scientists work in fields, labs and offices.
Schedule: Full time, busy in growing seasons.
A day in the life
- Scout a corn field.
- Pull soil samples.
- Meet a grower.
- Check plot trials.
See a full day in the life of a soil and plant scientist →
Soil and Plant Scientist salary
Half of soil and plant scientists earned more than $78,850 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $48,680 for the lowest 10% to $138,120 for the top 10%.
Full soil and plant scientist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a soil and plant scientist
- Earn an agronomy or soil science degree
- Do field internships
- Get hired
- Earn the CCA
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in agronomy, soil science or plant science is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a soil and plant scientist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Soil science
- Agronomy
- Plant breeding
- Field trials
- Statistics
People skills
- Curiosity
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Patience
All soil and plant scientist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Outdoor field work
- Feed people
- Many employers
Cons
- Seasonal crunches
- Weather
- Rural travel
- Grad degree for research
Certifications and licenses
- CCA: Certified Crop Adviser.
- CPSS: Certified Professional Soil Scientist.
- Pesticide applicator license: Often needed.
- Master’s or Ph.D.: For research.
Career path
- Field Technician: Entry.
- Agronomist: Advise.
- Senior Agronomist: Lead.
- Research Scientist: Research.
Learn the job before day one
Our Soil and Plant Scientist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as pull a representative soil sample and scout a field for pests, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Agricultural Sciences Professor
Teach and research crops, livestock, soils and food production.
- $98,700
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Pesticide Applicator
Apply fertilizers and pesticides safely to lawns, crops and rights-of-way.
- $46,340
- 1–3 months + license exam
Farm Manager
Run farms and ranches, from planting and livestock to budgets and sales.
- $89,900
- 5+ years of farm experience
Compare: Soil and Plant Scientist vs. Agricultural Technician · Soil and Plant Scientist vs. Agriculture Professor · Soil and Plant Scientist vs. Pesticide Applicator · Soil and Plant Scientist vs. Farm Manager
Soil and Plant Scientist FAQ
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
What is the CCA?
Certified Crop Adviser, a leading agronomy credential.
Where do they work?
Ag retailers, seed companies, government and universities.
How much does a soil and plant scientist make?
The median annual wage for soil and plant scientists was $78,850 ($37.91 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,680 and the highest 10% earned more than $138,120.
How long does it take to become a soil and plant scientist?
Most people need about 4-year degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in agronomy, soil science or plant science is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a soil and plant scientist?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More soil and plant scientist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-1013 (Soil and plant scientists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Soil and plant scientists (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.