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Soil Scientist

Overview and Key Facts

soil evaluation in a lab
Education
Education
Bachelor's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$71,410
Job Growth
Job Growth
5.40%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
21,800

What Do They Do?

A soil scientist could...

 
Mars surface
Study the composition of soils on Mars to determine what elements they contain.
soil samples in test tubes in lab
Chemically evaluate soil nutrient levels in a farming community to determine what crops would grow best there.
scientist holding petri dish with soil sample
Analyze soil from an archeological site to determine how the landscape previously looked.
landscape
Help determine the likelihood of future soil erosion in an area, given soil composition and placement.
 
Mars surface soil samples in test tubes in lab scientist holding petri dish with soil sample landscape

Overview Listen to this section

Not all dirt is created equal. In fact, different types of soil can make a big difference in some very important areas of our society. A building constructed on sandy soil might collapse during an earthquake, and crops planted in soil that doesn't drain properly might become waterlogged and rot after a rainstorm. It is the job of a soil scientist to evaluate soil conditions and help farmers, builders, and environmentalists decide how best to take advantage of local soils.
Watch this video for an overview of a day in the life of a soil scientist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLjvdVWAWII

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Soil Scientist?


  1. Speaking: ?
  2. Active Learning: ?
  3. Reading Comprehension: ?
  4. Critical Thinking: ?
  5. Science: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Soil Scientist might do:
  • 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.
  • Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
  • Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
  • Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
  • Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.
  • Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
  • Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
  • Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.
  • Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
  • Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

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No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Soil Scientist Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Soil Scientist jobs (5.40%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Soil Scientist

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

A bachelor's degree in soil science or a related environmental field is necessary. Some employers prefer a master's degree or doctorate, too. Those who'd like to work as a professor will need to obtain a doctorate degree.

In addition to formal education, on-the-job training through internships can be very valuable for securing good employment. Soil scientists who have completed their bachelor's degrees may apply for certification through the American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America. This certification is not mandatory, but candidates who are certified may be preferred by some employers.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Bachelor's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Students interested in pursuing a career as a soil scientist should take as many math and science courses as possible in high school. For college, they should attend a four-year agricultural college, or other university that offers a bachelor's degree in soil science or in environmental science, with a sub-specialty in soil.

Some employers prefer candidates with additional education. Both master's and doctoral degrees are available in soil sciences from agricultural colleges. A PhD is necessary for soil scientists who would like to teach and do research as university professors.

Companies That Hire Soil Scientists

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Read this interview with Elvia Niebla, a soil scientist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
I always had an interest in outdoor life and improving the world around me… My advice is that you should pursue your interests no matter what they are….If you are dedicated to your dreams, you will always find a way to accomplish them 
Elvia Niebla, Ph.D

Nature of the Work

Soil scientists study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant growth. They also study the responses of various soil types to fertilizers, tillage practices, and crop rotation. Many soil scientists who work for the federal government conduct soil surveys, classifying and mapping soils. They provide information and recommendations to farmers and other landowners regarding the best use of land, and plants to avoid or to correct problems, such as erosion. They may also consult with engineers and other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of, and solutions to, soil problems. Because soil science is closely related to environmental science, persons trained in soil science also work to ensure environmental quality and effective land use.

Employment for soil scientists usually falls into one of two sub fields:

  • Agricultural Soil Scientist: These soil scientists focus on the food and farming aspects of soil. They often serve as farm advisors, crop consultants, or representatives of agricultural companies.
  • Environmental Soil Scientist: These soil scientists focus on the soil's role in a healthy ecosystem. They often work in environmental positions dealing with water quality concerns, remediation of contaminants, or for on-site evaluation of soil properties in construction, waste disposal, or recreational facilities.

Work Environment

Soil scientists work both indoors, in laboratories and offices, and outdoors. The work may require walking over rough terrain and doing physical labor, such as digging, to gather samples. Soil scientists tend to work regular hours.

More Information

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as a Soil Scientist that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

Additional Resources

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