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Soil and Plant Scientists Scientists In Demand

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

Projected Job Growth (2021 - 2031)
+8%
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Job Outlook

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Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,100 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

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Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$66,750

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$99,950
$31,430
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Master's degree 28%
  • Bachelor's degree 23%
  • Doctoral degree 19%
  • Associate's degree 4%
  • Post baccalaureate 4%
  • Post-doctoral training 4%
  • Post-master's certificate 4%
  • First professional degree 4%
  • Post-secondary certificate 4%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • 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

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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* Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.