Soil and Plant Scientists
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.
Common Job Titles
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign field experiments on crop breeding, physiology, yield, and pest control integrating interdisciplinary knowledge of biology, chemistry, and agronomy under varying environmental conditions.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate soil classification systems and mapping products using ESRI ArcGIS, GIS software, and spatial prediction models to support land-use planning and resource management.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize research findings into peer-reviewed publications and technical reports applying principles of scientific writing and statistical analysis using R, SAS, and SPSS.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze soil chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition data using spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, and laboratory analytical equipment to determine relationships with plant growth.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate effects of alternative agricultural practices on soil productivity and crop performance synthesizing data from field trials, laboratory analyses, and geospatial modeling systems.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced analytical instrumentation including ICP-AES, PCR equipment, and electron microscopes following standardized laboratory protocols to quantify soil and plant tissue characteristics.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute soil sampling and field data collection procedures using GPS receivers, augers, and environmental sensors in diverse agricultural and natural landscapes to ensure representative sample acquisition.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex biological and environmental data from multi-source datasets for stakeholders including farmers, policymakers, and interdisciplinary research teams.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate sustainable soil and crop management practices through public presentations, training programs, and consultation with agricultural producers.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop research objectives, experimental designs, and project timelines integrating resource constraints, regulatory requirements, and collaborative team input.Proficient
Annual wage data for Soil and Plant Scientists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
16,600
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $45,320 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $131,440 |
| Workers on average earn | $83,040 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Biology4.4/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
- Chemistry3.8/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings