Career comparison
Pesticide Applicator vs. Soil and Plant Scientist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Soil and plant scientists earn more at the median ($78,850 vs. $46,340), while pesticide applicators usually get to work faster (1–3 months + license exam of training). Pesticide applicators apply fertilizers and pesticides safely to lawns, crops and rights-of-way. Soil and plant scientists study soils and crops to help farmers grow more with less.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Pesticide Applicator | Soil and Plant Scientist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $46,340 ($22.28/hr) | $78,850 ($37.91/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,570 – $61,420 | $48,680 – $138,120 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | +6.7% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 3,300 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 1–3 months + license exam | 4-year degree |
| Key credential | State commercial applicator license | CCA |
| Work setting | Applicators work outdoors in neighborhoods, fields, golf courses and along roads, wearing protective equipment.. | Scientists work in fields, labs and offices.. |
What each job does
Pesticide Applicator
- Identify weeds, insects and diseases
- Select and mix products
- Calibrate spray and spreader equipment
- Apply treatments safely
- Keep application records
Soil and Plant Scientist
- Test soils
- Breed crops
- Research pests
- Advise farmers
- Run field trials
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors. Both are part of the agriculture, landscaping & animal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose pesticide applicator if…
- I like working outdoors
- I follow instructions carefully
- I like independent route work
Choose soil and plant scientist if…
- I love plants and soil
- I like field work
- I like science
Still torn? Take the Pesticide Applicator fit quiz and the Soil and Plant Scientist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, pesticide applicator or soil and plant scientist?
Soil and Plant Scientists earn more at the median: $78,850 versus $46,340 for pesticide applicators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Pesticide Applicators typically train faster (1–3 months + license exam) than soil and plant scientists (4-year degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects soil and plant scientists to grow +6.7% from 2025–35, compared with +3.9% for pesticide applicators.