Agricultural technicians
SOC Code: 19-4012Also known as:
Acidity Tester, Agricultural Assistant, Agricultural Equipment Technician, Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Research Technologist
Median Annual Salary
$46,790
+4.3% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
19K
Current Jobs
What Agricultural technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$46,790
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.3%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
18,600
Projected Employment (2034)
19,400
Related Careers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980 •
-1.3% growth
Agricultural engineers
$84,630 •
+5.9% growth
Soil and plant scientists
$71,410 •
+5.4% growth
Biological technicians
$52,000 •
+3.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- Collect animal or crop samples.
- Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
- Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
- Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
- Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Agricultural technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a agricultural technicians:
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
89,827 degrees awarded •
1,646 colleges offer this program
Animal Sciences, General
7,535 degrees awarded •
124 colleges offer this program
Agriculture, General
3,276 degrees awarded •
151 colleges offer this program
Agronomy and Crop Science
1,201 degrees awarded •
63 colleges offer this program
Plant Sciences, General
692 degrees awarded •
42 colleges offer this program
Soil Science and Agronomy, General
358 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Poultry Science
161 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Dairy Science
154 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Agricultural technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become agricultural technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do agricultural technicians make?
The median annual salary for agricultural technicians is $46,790.
What education do agricultural technicians need?
Most agricultural technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Animal Sciences, General, Agriculture, General.
Is becoming agricultural technicians a good career choice?
Agricultural technicians is projected to see +4.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for agricultural technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring agricultural technicians include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Florida, University of California-Irvine, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to agricultural technicians?
Agricultural technicians may also be known as: Acidity Tester, Agricultural Assistant, Agricultural Equipment Technician, Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Service Technician, Agricultural Specialist, Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant, Agriculture Field Technician (Agriculture Field Tech), Agriculture Research Lab Assistant (Agriculture Research Laboratory Assistant), Agriculture Technician (Agriculture Tech), Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech), Agronomy Technician (Agronomy Tech), Artificial Breeding Technician (Artificial Breeding Tech), Biological Aide, Biotechnician, Blood Tester, Cattle Tester, Chemical Applicator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.