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.
Also called: Agricultural Specialist, Agriculturist, Agronomist, Apiculturist, Arboreal Scientist, Arboriculture Researcher
Median pay
$78,850
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$48,680 – $138,120
People employed
15,730
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · 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 with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
Soil and Plant Scientists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What soil and plant scientists do
- 01Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- 02Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- 03Provide 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.
- 04Conduct 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.
- 05Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- 06Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
Skills that matter most
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
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 soil and plant scientists
- Industrial Ecologists89% · group pay
- Agricultural Engineers86% · +25%
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers85% · +29%
- Hydrologists85% · +23%
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health85% · +4%
Change into soil and plant scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Industrial Ecologists89% · $82,220
- Environmental Restoration Planners84% · $82,220
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health80% · $82,220
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers79% · $101,920
- Agricultural Engineers78% · $98,590
Majors that lead here
- Agriculture, General
- Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
- Viticulture and Enology
- Plant Sciences, General
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Horticultural Science
- Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding
- Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management
- Range Science and Management
- Plant Sciences, Other
- Soil Science and Agronomy, General
- Soil Chemistry and Physics
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.