Median pay
$46,790
Median annual pay for Agricultural Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Science
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.
10-year growth
4.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
2,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
18,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Agricultural Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Associate's degree
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Reading Comprehension
- 2Active Listening
- 3Critical Thinking
- 4Active Learning
- 5Monitoring
- 6Writing
Knowledge areas
- 1Food Production
- 2Biology
- 3Chemistry
- 4Mechanical
- 5Mathematics
- 6Administration and Management
Abilities
- 1Oral Comprehension
- 2Oral Expression
- 3Problem Sensitivity
- 4Near Vision
- 5Written Comprehension
- 6Deductive Reasoning
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Investigative
- 3Conventional
- 4Enterprising
- 5Social
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Attention to Detail
- 3Perseverance
- 4Integrity
- 5Achievement Orientation
- 6Cautiousness
Work activities
- 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 3Documenting/Recording Information
- 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- 5Getting Information
- 6Performing General Physical Activities
Work context
- 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- 3Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- 4E-Mail
- 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 6In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
Representative tasks
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- Collect animal or crop samples.
- 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.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyEmail softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGlobal positioning system GPS softwareStatistical softwareWeb browser software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.