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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Agricultural Technicians

Median Salary
43,180
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 openings for agricultural and food science technicians 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$31,200

10%

$43,180

Median

$82,000

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    41%

  • Bachelor's degree

    18%

  • Associate's degree

    13%

  • Doctoral degree

    7%

  • Some college

    5%

  • Master's degree

    5%

  • Post baccalaureate

    5%

  • Less than high school

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Agriculture, General
  • Animal Sciences, General
  • Poultry Science
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Plant Sciences, General
  • Dairy Science
  • Soil Science and Agronomy, General
  • Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs, Other

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Food Production
  • Chemistry
  • Mechanical
  • Biology
  • Mathematics

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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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.