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Career overview · SOC 19-4012

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.

Also called: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech) · Agricultural Research Technologist · Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech) · Agriculture Assistant · Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech) · Field Assistant

Median pay (national)
$46,790
$32,860–$69,010 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
14,340
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.3%
~2,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for agricultural technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $69,010 versus $32,860 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $46,790 leaves roughly 47% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 2,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 45 states with released data, Arizona pays the most for this role (median $63,340, +35% vs the national median), while Louisiana sits lowest at $32,000 — a 98% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
  • Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
  • Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • SAP software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • Statistical software
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Knowledge areas

  • Food Production
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Administration and Management
  • English Language
  • Education and Training