Science
Agricultural technician
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.
Median pay
$49,630
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
2,800
Time to qualify*
2.5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Agricultural technician
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Agricultural technician: 28% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech) · Agricultural Research Technologist · Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech) · Agriculture Assistant · Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech) · Field Assistant · Insect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech) · Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician)
Outlook and AI
Agricultural technicians held 19,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 20,600 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Agricultural technician vs. Agricultural engineer
- Agricultural technician vs. Biological technician
- Agricultural technician vs. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
- Agricultural technician vs. Food science technician
- Agricultural technician vs. Food scientists and technologists
- Agricultural technician vs. Plant and system operators, all other
- Agricultural technician vs. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
- Agricultural technician vs. Forest and conservation technicians
- Agricultural technician vs. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians