Soil and plant scientists
SOC Code: 19-1013Also known as:
Agricultural Specialist, Agriculturist, Agronomist, Apiculturist, Arboreal Scientist
Median Annual Salary
$71,410
+5.4% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
21K
Current Jobs
What Soil and plant scientists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$71,410
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
20,700
Projected Employment (2034)
21,800
Related Careers
Agricultural engineers
$84,630 •
+5.9% growth
Microbiologists
$87,330 •
+4.1% growth
Conservation scientists
$67,950 •
+3.4% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Agricultural technicians
$46,790 •
+4.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Science
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
- Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
- Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
- Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
- Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Soil and plant scientists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a soil and plant scientists:
Agriculture, General
3,276 degrees awarded •
151 colleges offer this program
Agronomy and Crop Science
1,201 degrees awarded •
63 colleges offer this program
Horticultural Science
903 degrees awarded •
50 colleges offer this program
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
769 degrees awarded •
75 colleges offer this program
Plant Sciences, General
692 degrees awarded •
42 colleges offer this program
Botany/Plant Biology
538 degrees awarded •
39 colleges offer this program
Soil Science and Agronomy, General
358 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Viticulture and Enology
268 degrees awarded •
26 colleges offer this program
Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management
166 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Range Science and Management
153 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Soil and plant scientists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become soil and plant scientists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do soil and plant scientists make?
The median annual salary for soil and plant scientists is $71,410.
What education do soil and plant scientists need?
Most soil and plant scientists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Agriculture, General, Agronomy and Crop Science, Horticultural Science.
Is becoming soil and plant scientists a good career choice?
Soil and plant scientists is projected to see +5.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for soil and plant scientists?
Top colleges for aspiring soil and plant scientists include
University of Florida, Cornell University, University of Georgia, University of California-Berkeley, North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to soil and plant scientists?
Soil and plant scientists may also be known as: Agricultural Specialist, Agriculturist, Agronomist, Apiculturist, Arboreal Scientist, Arboriculture Researcher, Arboriculturist, Arborist, Biological Science Technician (Biological Science Tech), Botanist, Corn Breeder, Cotton Breeder, Crop Nutrition Scientist, Crop Protection Research Agronomist, Entomologist, Field Agronomist, Field Research Agronomist, Field Technology Development Agronomist, Floriculturist, Forage Physiologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.