Soil and Plant Scientists 
General Information
Description
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Industry areas
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Job Outlook
Salary
Salary Information
Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$65,730
State-by-state Salary
Gray states indicate no data available
Education & Interests
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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Master's degree 28%
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Bachelor's degree 23%
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Doctoral degree 19%
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Associate's degree 4%
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Post baccalaureate 4%
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Post-doctoral training 4%
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Post-master's certificate 4%
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First professional degree 4%
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Post-secondary certificate 4%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Less than high school 0%
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS
You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:
- Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.
- Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.
Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.
Skills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
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