Soil & Plant Scientists

Also Called: Agronomist, Crop Nutrition Scientist, Research Soil Scientist, Soil Scientist

Doctoral Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$43,790

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Soil & Plant Scientists do

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

  • Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
  • 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.
  • Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work
  • Telephone

Tools

  • Radarbased surveillance systems
  • Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
  • Photometers
  • pH meters
  • Laboratory flasks

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
STATISTICA
Water Erosion Prediction Project WEPP
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
SoilVision Systems SVOFFICE

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Active Learning
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Math and Science
biology
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics

Education

  • 44% Doctoral degree
  • 26% Master's degree
  • 15% Bachelor's degree

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Animal Trainers

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, & Forestry Workers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Microbiologists

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Soil & Plant Scientists Currently Selected

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Tifton, GA

  • Alabama A & M University

    Normal, AL

Apprenticeships

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Military

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Initiative
  • Analytical Thinking

Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Soil & Plant Scientists across the country typically make.

$21.05 / hour
$43,790 /year

Entry Level

$32.81 / hour
$68,240 /year

Median Level

$57.41 / hour
$119,410 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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