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Soil and Plant Scientists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $78,850/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$48,680$138,120

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +5.4% projected growth, 20242034 — faster than average.

About 1,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active LearningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingScienceWritingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Top knowledge areas
BiologyEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsChemistryMathematicsEducation and TrainingGeographyCommunications and Media
Core tasks

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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Soil and Plant Scientists?

The median pay for Soil and Plant Scientists is $78,850 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Soil and Plant Scientists?

Employment for Soil and Plant Scientists is projected to change +5.4% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Soil and Plant Scientists?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Soil and Plant Scientists?

About 1,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.