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Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWbaZEIe7GQ.
Quick Facts: Agricultural and Food Scientists
2024 Median Pay $78,770 per year
$37.87 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2024 38,700
Job Outlook, 2024–34 6% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2024–34 2,300

What Agricultural and Food Scientists Do

Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of agricultural and food production establishments.

Work Environment

Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.

How to Become an Agricultural or Food Scientist

Agricultural and food scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in animal science, food science, plant biology, or a related field. Employers may prefer or require a master’s or doctoral degree.

Pay

The median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $78,770 in May 2024.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,100 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food scientists.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food scientists with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Agricultural and Food Scientists Do About this section

An agricultural and food scientist standing in a wheat field and writing notes
Agricultural and food scientists may observe the production of field crops and farm animals so that they can research solutions to problems.

Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of agricultural and food production establishments.

Duties

Agricultural and food scientists typically do the following:

  • Conduct research to improve the productivity and quality of field crops and farm animals
  • Develop ways to increase efficiency of resources for crop production
  • Create new food products and develop new and better ways to safely process, package, and deliver them
  • Develop new and sustainable methods of soil and resource management
  • Communicate research findings and other technical information to a variety of audiences, including scientists, food producers, and consumers
  • Travel between facilities to oversee the implementation of new projects
  • Ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards

Agricultural and food scientists work to maintain and expand the nation’s food supply. Some conduct research into the biological and chemical processes by which crops and livestock grow. Others study ways to improve the quality, quantity, and safety of agricultural products. In addition, they often lead teams of technicians or students who help in their research.

The following are types of agricultural and food scientists:

Animal scientists typically conduct research on livestock. With a focus on food production, these scientists explore animal genetics, nutrition, reproduction, diseases, growth, and development. They work to develop efficient ways to produce and process meat, poultry, eggs, and milk, and may crossbreed animals to improve certain characteristics. They also may advise farmers on issues that affect livestock, such as best practices for upgrading housing, lowering death rates, and increasing growth rates.

Food scientists and technologists study the basic elements of food. They analyze the nutritional content of food, discover new food sources, and research ways to make processed foods safe and healthy. Food technologists generally work in product development, applying findings from food science research to develop new or better ways of selecting, preserving, processing, packaging, and distributing food. Some food scientists use advanced analytical techniques to detect and quantify levels of contaminants in food. Other food scientists enforce government regulations, inspecting food-processing areas to ensure that they are compliant with sanitation, waste management, and food safety standards.

Plant and soil scientists work to improve crop yields and the productivity of soil through crop breeding, soil management, and controlling pests and weeds. This may include conservation of soil and selecting traits to increase adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Because plant and soil sciences are closely related to environmental science, people trained in these fields also work to ensure environmental quality and effective land use.

Agricultural and food scientists may work in a variety of locations, including food production companies, farms, processing plants, universities, pharmaceutical companies, or the federal government. They spend their time in a laboratory, where they do tests and experiments, or in the field, where they take samples or assess overall conditions. Their research often involves improvements in food quality, animal or soil health, animal safety, food and crop production, or inspection standards. Agricultural and food scientists may present their research findings in peer-reviewed journals or other publications.

Agricultural and food scientists who work in universities may write grants to various organizations to get funding for their research. They also supervise student researchers and may teach lectures related to their field of expertise. For more information on professors who teach agricultural and food science at universities, see the profile on postsecondary teachers.

Work Environment About this section

Agricultural scientist holding a chicken while wearing protective clothing
Agricultural and food scientists may work with animals.

Agricultural and food scientists held about 38,700 jobs in 2024. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up agricultural and food scientists was distributed as follows:

Soil and plant scientists 20,700
Food scientists and technologists 15,200
Animal scientists 2,800

The largest employers of agricultural and food scientists were as follows:

Food manufacturing 18%
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 13
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state 11
Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals 9
Crop production 8

Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. They may spend their time studying data and reports. Fieldwork includes visits to farms or processing plants.

When visiting or working in a food or animal production facility, agricultural and food scientists must follow biosecurity measures, wear suitable clothing, and tolerate the environment associated with food production processes. This environment may include noise associated with large production machinery, hot or cold temperatures associated with food production or storage, and close proximity to animal byproducts. Agricultural and food scientists may need to wear a face mask, lab coat, gloves, eye protection, or other personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.

Certain positions may require travel—either domestic, international, or both. The amount of travel can vary widely.

Work Schedules

Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.

How to Become an Agricultural or Food Scientist About this section

An agricultural and food scientist examining a test tube in a laboratory
Agricultural and food scientists use data analysis skills to observe the results of their studies.

Agricultural and food scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in animal science, food science, plant biology, or a related field. Employers may prefer or require a master’s or doctoral degree.

Education

Undergraduate coursework for agricultural and food scientists varies by specialty, but common fields of degree include biology, physical science, and agriculture. Students may choose to major in a specific concentration within agriculture, such as animal, crop, or food science. Degrees in related sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, or in a related engineering specialty also may qualify people for many agricultural science jobs. Every state has at least one land-grant college that offers agricultural science degrees. Many other colleges and universities also offer agricultural science degrees or related courses.

Many people with bachelor’s degrees in agricultural sciences find work in related jobs rather than becoming an agricultural or food scientist. For example, a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science is a useful background for farming, ranching, agricultural inspection, farm credit institutions, or other companies in the agrifood system. Combined with coursework in business, agricultural and food science could be a good background for managerial jobs in farm-related or ranch-related businesses. For more information, see the profile on farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.

Some agricultural and food scientists earn advanced degrees, and a master’s or doctoral degree may be required for some jobs. For example, a Ph.D. may be required for some research positions in specialized topics. Advanced research topics include genetics, animal reproduction, agronomy, and biotechnology, among others. Advanced coursework also emphasizes statistical analysis and experiment design, which are important as Ph.D. candidates begin their research and work with big datasets. During graduate school, there is additional emphasis on lab work and original research, in which prospective agricultural and food scientists conduct experiments and sometimes supervise undergraduates.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Some agricultural and food scientists may need a license, particularly those who plan to work in plant and soil sciences. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include holding a bachelor’s degree with a certain number of credit hours in either plant or soil science, working under a licensed scientist for a certain number of years, and passing an exam. Licensed plant and soil scientists may require additional education credits or training every few years to maintain their licenses. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop

Certifications are generally not required for agriculture and food scientists, but they can be useful in advancing one’s career. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.

Other Experience

Internships are highly recommended for prospective agricultural and food scientists. These internships may lead to opportunities for full-time employment and provide students with hands-on experience.

Important Qualities

The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page.

Communication skills. Agricultural and food scientists must explain their studies both verbally and in writing, including what they were trying to learn, the methods they used, what they found, and what they think the implications of their findings are. They must also communicate well when working with others, including technicians and student assistants.

Critical-thinking skills. Agricultural and food scientists must use their expertise to determine the best way to answer a specific research question.

Data-analysis skills. Agricultural and food scientists collect data using a variety of methods, including quantitative surveys. They must then apply standard data analysis techniques to understand the data and get the answers to the questions they are studying.

Math skills. Agricultural and food scientists must have a sound grasp of mathematical concepts.

Detail-oriented skills. Agricultural and food scientists conduct experiments that require precise observation of samples and other data. Any mistake could lead to inconclusive or inaccurate results.

Pay About this section

Agricultural and Food Scientists

Median annual wages, May 2024

Life scientists

$90,500

Agricultural and food scientists

$78,770

Total, all occupations

$49,500

 

The median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $78,770 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,050, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $140,080.

Median annual wages for agricultural and food scientists in May 2024 were as follows:

Food scientists and technologists $85,310
Animal scientists 79,120
Soil and plant scientists 71,410

In May 2024, the median annual wages for agricultural and food scientists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences $90,700
Food manufacturing 79,770
Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals 77,380
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state 63,180

Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.

Job Outlook About this section

Agricultural and Food Scientists

Percent change in employment, projected 2024–34

Agricultural and food scientists

6%

Life scientists

6%

Total, all occupations

3%

 

Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,100 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow as research into agricultural production methods and techniques continues. The need to address challenges such as increasing demand for water resources, combating pests and pathogens, and changing climate and weather patterns is expected to create jobs for these workers. Demand for agricultural products, including biofuels, is also expected to contribute to employment growth.

Employment projections data for agricultural and food scientists, 2024–34
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2024 Projected Employment, 2034 Change, 2024–34 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Agricultural and food scientists

19-1010 38,700 41,000 6 2,300 Get data

Animal scientists

19-1011 2,800 2,900 6 200 Get data

Food scientists and technologists

19-1012 15,200 16,200 6 1,000 Get data

Soil and plant scientists

19-1013 20,700 21,800 5 1,100 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of agricultural and food scientists.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2024 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Agricultural and food science technicians Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Agricultural and food science technicians help scientists with testing and research related to plants, animals, fibers, and food and beverage products.

Associate's degree $48,480
Biochemists and biophysicists Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.

Doctoral or professional degree $103,650
Biological technicians Biological Technicians

Biological technicians assist biological and medical scientists with tasks such as laboratory setup, data collection, and observation.

Bachelor's degree $52,000
Chemical technicians Chemical Technicians

Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.

Associate's degree $57,790
Conservation scientists and foresters Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

Bachelor's degree $69,060
Environmental scientists and specialists Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

Bachelor's degree $80,060
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.

High school diploma or equivalent $87,980
Microbiologists Microbiologists

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.

Bachelor's degree $87,330
Veterinarians Veterinarians

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.

Doctoral or professional degree $125,510
Zoologists and wildlife biologists Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.

Bachelor's degree $72,860
Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Agricultural and Food Scientists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm (visited August 28, 2025).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

What They Do

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Work Environment

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Pay

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State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

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Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2024 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.

On-the-job Training

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Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

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Number of Jobs, 2024

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2024, which is the base year of the 2024–34 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2024-34

The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034. The average growth rate for all occupations is 3 percent.

Employment Change, 2024-34

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2024-34

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2024 to 2034.

2024 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.