Home / Career Explorer / Natural Sciences

Agricultural Technicians

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)	Projected Growth (2024-2034)
National Statistics	$46790	2900	4.3%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$46790

Median Wage (USD, 2024)

2900

Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)

4.3%

Projected Growth (2024-2034)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Detailed Work Activities

Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.
Record research or operational data.
Measure ingredients.
Set up laboratory or field equipment.
Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
Collect biological specimens.
Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Cultivate land.
Operate laboratory or field equipment.
Test quality of materials or finished products.
Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
Research crop management methods.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Research diseases or parasites.
Care for plants or animals.
Operate farming equipment.
Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

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.
Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
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.
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.
Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
Perform laboratory or field testing, using spectrometers, nitrogen determination apparatus, air samplers, centrifuges, or potential hydrogen (pH) meters to perform tests.
Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
Devise cultural methods or environmental controls for plants for which guidelines are sketchy or nonexistent.
Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
Perform general nursery duties, such as propagating standard varieties of plant materials, collecting and germinating seeds, maintaining cuttings of plants, or controlling environmental conditions.
Record environmental data from field samples of soil, air, water, or pests to monitor the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
Transplant trees, vegetables, or horticultural plants.
Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
Respond to general inquiries or requests from the public.
Prepare or present agricultural demonstrations.
Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows.

Work Styles

Innovation

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Innovation

Achievement Orientation

Intellectual Curiosity

Tolerance for Ambiguity

Initiative

Adaptability

Self-Confidence

Perseverance

Leadership Orientation

Humility

Sincerity

Empathy

Cooperation

Optimism

Social Orientation

Cautiousness

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Integrity

Stress Tolerance

Self-Control

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Session has been expired