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.
SOC: 19-1013.00
Common Job Titles
Agronomist
Research Scientist
Research Soil Scientist
Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Soil and Plant Scientists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
16,600
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,320. 25th percentile: U.S. $57,950. 50th percentile: U.S. $71,410. 75th percentile: U.S. $98,110. 90th percentile: U.S. $131,440. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
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)
Skills & Requirements
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
