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Plant Scientist

Overview and Key Facts

plant scientists
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 plant scientist could...

 
strawwberries in bucket
Increase fruit crop yields by researching plant diseases.
woman looking in microscope
Help feed the world by genetically engineering drought-tolerant crops.
lettuce in space
Develop new agricultural techniques to grow food on board the space station.
rose
Genetically engineer a new exotic rose variety.
 
strawwberries in bucket woman looking in microscope lettuce in space rose

Overview Listen to this section

With a growing world population, making sure that there is enough food for everyone is critical. Plant scientists work to ensure that agricultural practices result in an abundance of nutritious food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Watch this video to accompany a plant scientist student as she collects flower specimens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLfzeAhw7xM

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Plant 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 Plant 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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Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Plant 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%)
Plant Scientist jobs (5.40%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Plant 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 plant biology is sufficient for some jobs in product development or for assisting in applied research, but a master's or doctoral degree (PhD) is generally required for basic research or for jobs directing applied research. A PhD in agricultural science or plant biology is usually needed for college teaching and for advancement to senior research positions as well. Degrees in related sciences, such as molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, or biochemistry may also qualify people for many plant science jobs.

The American Society of Agronomy certifies sub-specialists, such as crop advisers. These certifications require at least a bachelor's degree and several years of work experience. Applicants must also pass designated examinations and agree to adhere to a code of ethics. Each certification is maintained through continuing education.

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

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for plant science jobs. Students preparing for careers as plant scientists should take college courses in plant pathology, entomology, plant physiology, and biochemistry, among others.

To conduct basic research or to advance to jobs directing applied research, a master's or doctoral degree is required. Advanced degree programs in plant science include classroom and fieldwork, laboratory research, and a thesis or dissertation based on independent research.

Companies That Hire Plant 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

Learn how plant scientist, Vijay Varanasi, Research Scientist at Bayer Crop Science, conducts molecular research in the area of crop gene editing and vegetative propagation in laboratory conditions.
My work, whether in academia or in the industry, plays a major role in generating new understanding on how plants develop resistance to herbicides, how fruits can be preserved for transport to far away places, and how novel control measures at the molecular level can be devised for invasive species. 
Vijay Varanasi, Research Scientist at Bayer Crop Science

Nature of the Work

Plant scientists plays an important role in maintaining the nation's food supply by ensuring agricultural productivity and food safety. These scientists study farm crops and develop ways to improve their quantity and quality. They look for ways to improve crop yield with less labor, control pests and weeds more safely and effectively, and to conserve soil and water. Some plant scientists look for ways to use agricultural products for fuels.

Plant scientists study plants in order to help producers of food, animal feed, and fiber crops to feed a growing population and conserve natural resources. These scientists not only help increase productivity, but also study ways to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seed, often through biotechnology. Some plant scientists study the breeding, physiology, and management of crops and use genetic engineering to develop crops that are resistant to pests and to drought. They also develop new technologies to control or eliminate pests and prevent their spread in ways appropriate to the specific environment.

Work Environment

Plant scientists work in a variety of environments. Those involved in basic research seek to understand the biological and chemical processes by which crops grow, such as determining the role of a particular gene in plant growth. Scientists involved in applied research use this knowledge to discover mechanisms to improve the quality, quantity, or safety of agricultural products. Other plant scientists manage or administer research and development programs, or manage marketing or production operations in companies that produce agricultural chemicals, seeds, and machinery. Some plant scientists are consultants to business firms, private clients, or government.

Plant scientists involved in management or basic research tend to work regular hours in offices and laboratories. The work environment for those engaged in applied research or product development varies, depending on specialty and on type of employer. Many plant scientists also spend time outdoors conducting research on farms and agricultural research stations.

More Information

Ask Questions

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Additional Resources

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