Agricultural Technicians
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.
Also called: Acidity Tester, Agricultural Assistant, Agricultural Equipment Technician, Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Service Technician
Median pay
$49,630
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,980 – $76,480
People employed
15,130
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
Agricultural Technicians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (39 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What agricultural technicians do
- 01Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- 02Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- 03Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- 04Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- 05Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
- 06Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Food Production
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from agricultural technicians
- Biofuels Processing Technicians76% · group pay
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers76% · +20%
- Agricultural Engineers71% · +99%
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers70% · +81%
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians70% · +21%
Change into agricultural technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals73% · $36,670
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse72% · $35,660
- Forest and Conservation Workers72% · $43,680
- Pest Control Workers71% · $45,250
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers69% · $59,320
Majors that lead here
- Agriculture, General
- Animal Sciences, General
- Dairy Science
- Poultry Science
- Plant Sciences, General
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Soil Science and Agronomy, General
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs, Other
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.