Agricultural Technicians earn a median of $49,630 per year ($23.86/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 5.4% through 2035, with about 2,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 19-4012
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Agricultural Technician in four numbers
- Median pay
- $49,630a year, or $23.86/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $36KTop 10% $76K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +5.4%Faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+5.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +5.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,80019,500 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202519.5K
- Projected 203520.6K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 19.5K Projected 2035 20.6K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school41.3%
- Some college5.5%
- Associate's13.2%
- Bachelor's18.2%
- Post-bacc certificate6%
- Doctorate7.2%
Highest education held by agricultural technicians Segment Value High school 41.3% Some college 5.5% Associate's 13.2% Bachelor's 18.2% Post-bacc certificate 6% Doctorate 7.2%
Also advertised as: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant, Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech), Field Assistant.
Pay
How much do Agricultural Technicians make?
Every agricultural technician in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$49,630
Middle half earn $40,950 to $63,630
- 10th
- $35,980
- 25th
- $40,950
- 75th
- $63,630
- 90th
- $76,480
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $35,980 |
| 25th | $40,950 |
| Median | $49,630 |
| 75th | $63,630 |
| 90th | $76,480 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $49,630
- Median hourly wage
- $23.86/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $53,840
- People employed
- 15,130
Versus all US occupations
At $49,630, Agricultural Technicians earn 3% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $1,350 a year.
Versus life, physical, and social science occupations
Inside the Life, Physical, and Social Science group, where the middle occupation pays $82,220, this is 40% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $76,480 or more while the bottom 10% earn $35,980, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 21% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Iowa pays the most at $64,070, and still leads at $73,004 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Agricultural Technicians the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Iowa | $64,070 | $73,004 | N/A |
| 2Wyoming | $63,120 | $68,097 | 30 |
| 3Arizona | $62,990 | $62,566 | N/A |
| 4California | $60,320 | $54,480 | 2,420 |
| 5Kentucky | $59,860 | $66,394 | 210 |
| 6Minnesota | $57,310 | $58,111 | 530 |
| 7New Jersey | $54,370 | $49,970 | N/A |
| 8Missouri | $54,060 | $59,526 | 420 |
| 9Delaware | $52,510 | $52,611 | N/A |
| 10North Carolina | $51,470 | $54,566 | 550 |
Job outlook
Is Agricultural Technician a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Faster than average. +5.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Technicians | +5.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Agricultural Technicians to change 5.4% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 1,100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,800 openings are projected each year, 14.4% of the 19,500 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
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.
Demand will continue for agricultural research into topics such as water resources, pests and pathogens, climate and weather patterns, and biofuels and other agricultural products.
Agricultural science technicians will be needed to assist agricultural and food scientists in investigating and improving the diets, living conditions, and genetic makeup of livestock. Food science technicians will help scientists improve food-processing techniques, ensuring that products are safe, waste is limited, and food is shipped efficiently. Technicians also are expected to continue to be needed to help analyze soil composition and soil improvement techniques, find uses for agricultural byproducts, and selectively breed crops to resist pests and disease or to improve taste.
Getting in
How to become an Agricultural Technician
Entry requirements for agricultural and food science technicians vary. Some employers require or prefer that candidates have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, agriculture, or a related field. Other employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent and related work experience.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as agricultural technicians.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)41.3%
- Bachelor's Degree18.2%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree13.2%
- Doctoral Degree7.2%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 41.3% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 18.2% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 13.2% |
| Doctoral Degree | 7.2% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Agricultural Technician 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.
Agricultural and food science technicians help agricultural and food scientists with testing and research related to plants, animals, fibers, and food and beverage products.
Day-to-day tasks
- Collect animal or crop samples.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
- 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.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most agricultural and food science technicians work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Work schedules vary and may include weekends and evenings.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather at least weekly.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where agricultural technicians work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state23%
- Animal production and aquaculture14%
- Wholesale trade14%
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences11%
- Crop production4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | 23% |
| Animal production and aquaculture | 14% |
| Wholesale trade | 14% |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 11% |
| Crop production | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.4
- Active Listening3.3
- Critical Thinking3.3
- Writing3.1
- Active Learning3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Speaking3.0
- Mathematics2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Speaking | 3.0 |
| Mathematics | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Instructing3.0
- Operations Monitoring3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
- Complex Problem Solving2.9
- Operation and Control2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.9 |
| Operation and Control | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Analytical or scientific software
- Geographic information system
- Internet browser software
- Mobile location based services software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Agricultural Technician?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Agricultural Technician |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Realistic6.8
- Investigative4.6
- Conventional4.3
- Enterprising2.0
- Social1.5
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Agricultural Technician
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Management
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
More life, physical, and social science careers
Median annual pay, with agricultural technicians highlighted
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist$193,950
- Physicist$172,250
- Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Chemist$91,240
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health$82,220
- Conservation Scientist$73,010
- Chemical Technician$60,390
- Biological Technician$57,510
- Agricultural Technician$49,630
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $193,950 |
| Physicist | $172,250 |
| Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists | $103,410 |
| Chemist | $91,240 |
| Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health | $82,220 |
| Conservation Scientist | $73,010 |
| Chemical Technician | $60,390 |
| Biological Technician | $57,510 |
| Agricultural Technician | $49,630 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within agricultural technician
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Agricultural Technician appears on
Questions
Agricultural Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Agricultural Technicians make?
Agricultural Technicians earn a median of $49,630 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 3% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $23.86/hr. The middle half earn between $40,950 and $63,630. The top 10% earn $76,480 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Agricultural Technician?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Agricultural Technicians. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 41.3% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Agricultural Technician a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5.4% over 2025–2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Agricultural Technician do?
Agricultural and food science technicians help agricultural and food scientists with testing and research related to plants, animals, fibers, and food and beverage products. A core O*NET task: collect animal or crop samples. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software.
Which states pay Agricultural Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Agricultural Technicians are Iowa ($64,070), Wyoming ($63,120), Arizona ($62,990) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Agricultural Technician?
O*NET scores Agricultural Technicians highest on the Realistic, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.