Agricultural Technicians often specialize by subject area, which includes animal health, farm machinery, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, or processing technology. Duties can vary considerably by specialization.
Agricultural Technicians typically study ways to increase the productivity of crops and animals. These workers may keep detailed records, collect samples for analyses, ensure that samples meet proper safety and quality standards, and test crops and animals for disease or to confirm the results of scientific experiments.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Agricultural Technicians
Agricultural Technicians often specialize by subject area, which includes animal health, farm machinery, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, or processing technology. Duties can vary considerably by specialization.
Agricultural Technicians typically study ways to increase the productivity of crops and animals. These workers may keep detailed records, collect samples for analyses, ensure that samples meet proper safety and quality standards, and test crops and animals for disease or to confirm the results of scientific experiments.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Employment projections data for agricultural and food science technicians, 2016-26
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 | Change, 2016-26 | Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||||
| Agricultural and Food Science Technicians | 19-4011 | 27,500 | 29,200 | 6 | 1,700 |  xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment projections data for accountants and auditors, 2016-26
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Agricultural and Food Science Technicians |
| SOC Code |
| 19-4011 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 27,500 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 29,200 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 6 |
| NUMERIC |
| 1,700 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Pay
The median annual wage for agricultural and food science technicians was $39,910 in May 2017. 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 $26,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $62,740.
In May 2017, the median annual wages for agricultural and food science technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools; State | $40,860 |
|---|---|
| Food Manufacturing | $38,880 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $36,690 |
Agricultural and food science technicians typically work full time and have standard work schedules. Technicians may need to travel, including international travel.
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
Median annual wages, May 2017
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Job Outlook
Employment of agricultural and food technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand will continue for agricultural research into areas such as the effects of population growth, increased demand for water resources, harm from pests and pathogens, changes in climate and weather patterns, and demand for agricultural products, such as biofuels.
Agricultural science technicians will be needed to assist agricultural and food scientists in investigating and improving the diets, living conditions, and even genetic makeup of livestock. Food science technicians will assist scientists to improve food-processing techniques, ensuring that products are safe, waste is limited, and food is shipped efficiently. Technicians will also continue to assist in studies that analyze soil composition and soil improvement techniques, find uses for agricultural byproducts, and selectively breed crops to resist pests and disease, or improve taste.
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
Percent change in employment, projected 2016-26
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Run Your First Background Check for Agricultural Technicians
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
|---|
| Agricultural and Food Scientists |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| Bachelor's degree |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $62,910 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
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|
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|
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Free Staffing Resources
Professional Recruiter and Staffing Organizations
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National Association of Personnel Services
-
Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals
-
American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment
-
National Association of Executive Recruiters
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National Association for Health Care Recruitment
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association
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American Staffing Association
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Top Echelon Recruiting Network
