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Science

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.

Median salary

$71,410

Typical range

$45k – $131k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Soil and Plant Scientists

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Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Soil and Plant Scientists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Soil and Plant Scientists

    Entry / Junior

    $45,320

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Soil and Plant Scientists

    Established

    $71,410

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Soil and Plant Scientists

    Senior

    $101,425

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
  • •Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
  • •Provide 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.
  • •Conduct 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.
  • •Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.

Fields of study

Any field

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