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.
Soil and Plant Scientists
SOC: 19-1013 O*NET: 19-1013.00
Median Salary
$71,410
per year
Job Growth
📈 5.4%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Soil and Plant Scientists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$45,320
10th percentile
Early Career
$57,950
25th percentile
Median
$71,410
50th percentile
Experienced
$98,110
75th percentile
Top Earners
$131,440
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,320
25th
$57,950
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$71,410
Mean: $83,040
75th
$98,110
90th
$131,440
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $86,120 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $57,950 and $98,110
- •Salary spread is 56.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 16,600 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:20,700
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services37.1%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services37.1%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services16.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+5.4%
Annual Openings:1,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)20,700
Current
2034 (Projected)21,800
+5.4%
+1,100
Employment Change
+5.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Soil and Plant Scientists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
California
1,710 jobs$80,9600.88x
Texas
910 jobs$00.61x
Iowa
770 jobs$72,4404.57x
Nebraska
770 jobs$67,1507.00x
Wisconsin
650 jobs$63,7702.07x
Minnesota
640 jobs$68,2602.04x
North Carolina
620 jobs$68,2401.18x
Washington
610 jobs$82,3601.59x
Colorado
530 jobs$68,4201.70x
Indiana
520 jobs$79,8201.53x
Oregon
490 jobs$79,4602.29x
Georgia
470 jobs$75,2500.90x
Idaho
430 jobs$90,4004.67x
Michigan
420 jobs$61,7100.88x
South Dakota
400 jobs$61,9708.26x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Science
94%
#3
Active Learning
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Active Listening
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Systems Evaluation
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Science
advanced4.7
94%
Active Learning
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Listening
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Science
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Systems Evaluation
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Epidemiologists100%
5 shared skills
Food Scientists and Technologists100%
5 shared skills
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Biochemists and Biophysicists82%
5 shared skills
Molecular and Cellular Biologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Active Listening
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Science
- ✓Active Learning
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Science
- ★Active Learning
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Soil and Plant Scientists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechESRI ArcGIS software
🔥 Hot TechR
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASP
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Access
ESRI ArcGIS software
R
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Communication & Coordination (1)Planning & Development (12)Management & Supervision (1)General Responsibilities (7)
1
Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination100% perform100%
2
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision94% perform96%
4
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on communication & coordination activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Soil and Plant Scientists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Soil and Plant Scientists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Soil and Plant Scientists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.52
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.40
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.33
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.24
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.24
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.19
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.5
Analytical Thinking
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Persistence
4.2
Cooperation
4.2
Initiative
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Independence
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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