Agricultural Technicians
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 by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 50 | $43,980 | $21.14 | |
| Alaska | 40 | $47,010 | $22.60 | |
| Arizona | $54,200 | $26.06 | ||
| Arkansas | 430 | $42,390 | $20.38 | |
| California | 1,300 | $50,930 | $24.49 | |
| Colorado | 140 | $50,780 | $24.41 | |
| Florida | 60 | $40,840 | $19.64 | |
| Georgia | 600 | $48,320 | $23.23 | |
| Hawaii | 50 | $40,560 | $19.50 | |
| Idaho | 250 | $47,600 | $22.89 | |
| Illinois | 1,370 | $38,060 | $18.30 | |
| Indiana | 700 | $48,560 | $23.35 | |
| Iowa | 780 | $45,230 | $21.75 | |
| Kansas | 310 | $41,110 | $19.76 | |
| Kentucky | 190 | $45,540 | $21.89 | |
| Maryland | 320 | $52,080 | $25.04 | |
| Massachusetts | 50 | $57,200 | $27.50 | |
| Michigan | 180 | $39,960 | $19.21 | |
| Minnesota | 380 | $45,070 | $21.67 | |
| Mississippi | 120 | $41,070 | $19.74 | |
| Missouri | 370 | $45,990 | $22.11 | |
| Nebraska | 580 | $50,960 | $24.50 | |
| New Jersey | 40 | $48,700 | $23.41 | |
| New Mexico | 50 | $40,720 | $19.58 | |
| New York | 280 | $43,720 | $21.02 | |
| North Carolina | 430 | $42,200 | $20.29 | |
| North Dakota | 190 | $38,270 | $18.40 | |
| Ohio | 290 | $36,450 | $17.52 | |
| Oklahoma | 180 | $42,000 | $20.19 | |
| Oregon | 440 | $47,330 | $22.76 | |
| Pennsylvania | 290 | $40,990 | $19.71 | |
| South Dakota | 270 | $35,960 | $17.29 | |
| Tennessee | 180 | $46,790 | $22.50 | |
| Texas | 530 | $38,640 | $18.58 | |
| Vermont | 60 | $55,060 | $26.47 | |
| Virginia | 150 | $47,920 | $23.04 | |
| Washington | 940 | $47,190 | $22.69 | |
| Wisconsin | 570 | $40,430 | $19.44 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the general principles and practice of agricultural research and production and that may prepare individuals to apply this knowledge to the solution of practical agricultural problems. Includes instruction in basic animal, plant, and soil science; animal husbandry and plant cultivation; soil conservation; and agricultural operations such as farming, ranching, and agricultural business.
A general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. Includes instruction in the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products. Includes instruction in animal sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of poultry animals and the production and handling of poultry products. Includes instruction in avian sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, hatchery design, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
A general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding, cultivation, and production of agricultural plants, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural plant products. Includes instruction in the plant sciences, crop cultivation and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
A program that focuses on the chemical, physical, and biological relationships of crops and the soils nurturing them. Includes instruction in the growth and behavior of agricultural crops, the development of new plant varieties, and the scientific management of soils and nutrients for maximum plant nutrition, health, and productivity.
A program that generally focuses on the scientific classification of soils, soil properties, and their relationship to agricultural crops. Includes instruction in soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, soil fertility, morphogenesis, mineralogy, hydrology, agronomy, and soil conservation and management.
Any instructional program that prepares individuals for admission to a professional program in agriculture or veterinary medicine or science not listed above.
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
-
$44,850 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
-
Associate's degreeTypical education requirement
-
Moderate-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as agricultural technicians.
- Less than high school 10%
- High school graduate 25%
- College dropout 21%
- Associate’s degree 15%
- Bachelor’s degree 23%
- Master’s degree 4%
- Doctorate degree 2%
Similar Careers
-
Biological Technicians$51,770 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
-
Food Science Technicians$47,870 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
-
Chemical Technicians$55,040 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
-
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers$78,440 per year Average salaryDecliningJob growth rate