Career Discovery Tool
Your email has not been verified. Verify email now ›

Agricultural Technician

Overview and Key Facts

technicians in a roww of plants
Education
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$46,790
Job Growth
Job Growth
4.30%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
19,400

What Do They Do?

An agricultural technician could...

 
test plot
Determine germination yield for a new seed variety by planting and monitoring seeds in a test plot.
young woman caring for cows in barn
Collect samples from animals and crops to perform various experimental tests.
Fungus on the pear tree leaf (Gymnosporangium sabinae)(Birnengitterrost)
Perform experiments to determine how to stop the spread of a plant virus.
machinery in a field
Maintain agricultural facilities and equipment to ensure safety and operational readiness.
 
test plot young woman caring for cows in barn Fungus on the pear tree leaf (Gymnosporangium sabinae)(Birnengitterrost) machinery in a field

Overview Listen to this section

As the world's population grows larger, it is important to improve the quality and yield of food crops and animal food sources. Agricultural technicians work in the forefront of this very important research area by helping scientists conduct novel experiments. If you would like to combine technology with the desire to see things grow, then read further to learn more about this exciting career.
Watch this video and learn more about the responsibilities of an agricultural technician.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkp1l7eSOnA

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Agricultural Technician?


  1. Reading Comprehension: ?
  2. Writing: ?
  3. Active Listening: ?
  4. Complex Problem Solving: ?
  5. Critical Thinking: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Agricultural Technician might do:
  • Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
  • Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
  • Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
  • Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
  • Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
  • Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
  • Collect animal or crop samples.
  • Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
  • Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
  • Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Agricultural Technician 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%)
Agricultural Technician jobs (4.30%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Agricultural Technician

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

Most agricultural technicians need an associate degree or a certificate in applied science or science-related technology. Science technicians with a high school diploma and no college degree typically begin work as trainees under the direct supervision of a more-experienced technician, and eventually earn a 2-year degree in science technology.

Whatever their degree, agricultural technicians usually need hands-on training either in school or on the job. Most can get good career preparation through 2-year formal training programs that combine the teaching of scientific principles and theory with practical hands-on application in a laboratory setting with up-to-date equipment. Graduates of bachelor's degree programs in science, who have considerable experience in laboratory-based courses, have completed internships, or have held summer jobs in laboratories, also are well qualified for science technician positions and are preferred by some employers.

Job candidates who have extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including computers and related equipment, usually require a short period of on-the-job training. Those with a high school diploma and no college degree typically begin work as trainees under the direct supervision of a more-experienced technician. Many with a high school diploma eventually earn a 2-year degree in science technology, often paid for by their employer.

Technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions under the direct supervision of a scientist or a more-experienced technician. As they gain experience, technicians take on more responsibility and carry out assignments under only general supervision, and some eventually become supervisors.

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: Associate's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Agricultural technicians must have a high school degree, but at least 2 years of specialized training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology is preferred. Because employers' preferences vary, however, some science technicians have a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology and have completed several science and math courses at a 4-year college.

Companies That Hire Agricultural Technicians

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 Carla Emms, Horticultural Consultant and Dominique Zivkovich-Brady, Science Technician.
It is challenging but at the end of it you’ve got a product and you cansay, ‘That lemon looks fantastic and I did that because we controlledthis pest, or we pruned the trees well so there were fewer diseases’. 
Dominique Zivkovich-Brady

Nature of the Work

Agricultural technicians work with related scientists to conduct research, development, and testing on food and other agricultural products. Agricultural technicians are involved in food, fiber, and animal research, production, and processing. Some conduct tests and experiments to improve the yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease, insects, or other hazards. Other agricultural technicians breed animals for the purpose of investigating nutrition. The many responsibilities of the agricultural technician include analyzing, recording, and compiling test results; ordering supplies to maintain laboratory inventory; and cleaning and sterilizing laboratory equipment.

As laboratory instrumentation and procedures have become more complex, the role of agricultural technicians in research and development has expanded. In addition to performing routine tasks, many technicians, under the direction of scientists, now develop and adapt laboratory procedures to achieve the best results, interpret data, and devise solutions to problems. Technicians must develop expert knowledge of laboratory equipment so that they can adjust settings when necessary and recognize when equipment is malfunctioning.

Work Environment

Agricultural technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Some work indoors, usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Other positions require working outdoors and in remote locations. Occasionally, irregular hours are required to monitor experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours.

Advances in automation and information technology require technicians to operate more-sophisticated laboratory equipment. Agricultural technicians make extensive use of computers, electronic measuring equipment, and traditional experimental apparatus.

Some agricultural technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials.

More Information

Ask Questions

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

Sources

Top
Quick Links X
Free science fair projects.