Career comparison
Agricultural Sciences Professor vs. Extension Educator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Agricultural sciences professors earn more at the median ($98,700 vs. $60,220), while extension educators usually get to work faster (Master’s plus field experience of training). Agricultural sciences professors teach and research crops, livestock, soils and food production. Extension educators bring university research to farmers, families and communities.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Agricultural Sciences Professor | Extension Educator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $98,700 | $60,220 ($28.95/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $50,870 – $163,150 | $37,650 – $85,060 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.9% (about as fast as average) | -3.2% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 800 | 800 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | Master’s plus field experience |
| Key credential | Ph.D. in agricultural science | Master’s degree |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, labs, research farms and in the field.. | Educators work in county offices, farms, schools and community sites.. |
What each job does
Agricultural Sciences Professor
- Teach agriculture courses
- Run field and lab research
- Work with extension programs
- Advise students and clubs
- Write grants
Extension Educator
- Teach workshops
- Advise farmers
- Run 4-H programs
- Run field days
- Answer questions
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, working independently, and working with people. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and agriculture, landscaping & animal care, but share transferable skills such as communication with farmers and communication.
Which should you choose?
Choose agricultural sciences professor if…
- I love agriculture
- I like field research
- I enjoy teaching
Choose extension educator if…
- I like teaching
- I love agriculture
- I like community work
Still torn? Take the Agricultural Sciences Professor fit quiz and the Extension Educator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, agricultural sciences professor or extension educator?
Agricultural Sciences Professors earn more at the median: $98,700 versus $60,220 for extension educators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Extension Educators typically train faster (Master’s plus field experience) than agricultural sciences professors (5–7 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects agricultural sciences professors to grow +2.9% from 2025–35, compared with -3.2% for extension educators.