Career comparison
Agricultural Sciences Professor vs. Forestry and Conservation Professor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Forestry and conservation professors earn more at the median ($101,420 vs. $98,700), while agricultural sciences professors usually get to work faster (5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training). Agricultural sciences professors teach and research crops, livestock, soils and food production. Forestry and conservation professors teach and research forests, wildlife and natural resource management.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Agricultural Sciences Professor | Forestry and Conservation Professor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $98,700 | $101,420 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $50,870 – $163,150 | $50,100 – $148,920 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.9% (about as fast as average) | +2.8% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 800 | 100 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s |
| Key credential | Ph.D. in agricultural science | Ph.D. in forestry or ecology |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, labs, research farms and in the field.. | Faculty work in classrooms, labs, forests and field stations.. |
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
Forestry and Conservation Professor
- Teach forestry and conservation courses
- Lead field labs
- Conduct research
- Partner with agencies
- Mentor students
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, working independently, working with people, and problem-solving. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose agricultural sciences professor if…
- I love agriculture
- I like field research
- I enjoy teaching
Choose forestry and conservation professor if…
- I love forests and wildlife
- I like teaching outdoors
- I enjoy research
Still torn? Take the Agricultural Sciences Professor fit quiz and the Forestry and Conservation Professor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, agricultural sciences professor or forestry and conservation professor?
Forestry and Conservation Professors earn more at the median: $101,420 versus $98,700 for agricultural sciences professors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Agricultural Sciences Professors typically train faster (5–7 years after a bachelor’s) than forestry and conservation 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 +2.8% for forestry and conservation professors.