Life, Physical & Social Science
Agricultural Technicians
Also called: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant
US median pay
$49,630
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.4%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
2,800
19,500 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
- Instructing3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Operation and Control2.8/5
Knowledge
- Food Production3.6/5
- Biology3.5/5
- Chemistry3.4/5
- Mechanical3.4/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma41%
- Bachelor's degree18%
- Associate's degree13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.