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 pay
$78,850
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
1,400
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Soil and plant scientists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- 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
Soil and plant scientists: 48% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
- Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
Also called: Agronomist · Arboriculture Researcher · Crop Nutrition Scientist · Forage Physiologist · Horticulture Specialist · Plant Physiologist · Plant Research Geneticist · Research Scientist
Outlook and AI
Soil and plant scientists held 19,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 21,300 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Conservation scientist
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Agricultural technician
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Microbiologist
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Agricultural engineer
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Biological scientists, all other
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
- Soil and plant scientists vs. Hydrologist