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Agricultural Technicians
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.
Other titles employers use
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)
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, analytical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Subjects to know
- Food Production
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.2 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 3.4 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.6 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.5 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for an associate degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 45%
- A four-year degree 18%
- A two-year degree 13%
- A master's degree 11%
- A doctorate or professional degree 7%
- A certificate or some college 6%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Electronic mail software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Geographic information system
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,800
- Job openings each year
- 380
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 7.7%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,800 | 380 | 7.7% |
| Iowa | 1,630 | 220 | 1.9% |
| Georgia | 960 | 130 | 10.3% |
| South Dakota | 800 | 110 | 11.1% |
| Indiana | 770 | 100 | 11.6% |
| Illinois | 690 | 90 | 3.0% |
| Nebraska | 680 | 90 | 6.3% |
| Oregon | 630 | 90 | 14.5% |
| Minnesota | 550 | 80 | 7.8% |
| North Carolina | 540 | 70 | 5.9% |
| Missouri | 530 | 70 | 8.2% |
| Florida | 490 | 70 | 11.4% |
| Arkansas | 480 | 70 | 9.1% |
| New Jersey | 470 | 60 | 9.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 390 | 50 | 2.6% |
| Kansas | 350 | 50 | 6.1% |
| Kentucky | 350 | 50 | 9.4% |
| Tennessee | 340 | 50 | 21.4% |
| Wisconsin | 320 | 40 | 10.3% |
| Ohio | 280 | 40 | 3.7% |
| Mississippi | 270 | 40 | 8.0% |
| North Dakota | 270 | 40 | 8.0% |
| Colorado | 260 | 40 | 18.2% |
| Arizona | 250 | 30 | 13.6% |
| Virginia | 250 | 30 | 4.2% |
| Maryland | 230 | 30 | 9.5% |
| Oklahoma | 210 | 30 | 5.0% |
| Michigan | 150 | 20 | — |
| South Carolina | 150 | 20 | 15.4% |
| Alabama | 110 | 20 | — |
| Delaware | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Utah | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| New Mexico | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Puerto Rico | 40 | 10 | — |
| Nevada | 30 | 10 | 50.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 1,259
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
University of California-Davis
- Degrees each year
- 753
- Admit rate
- 42%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Degrees each year
- 766
- Admit rate
- 40%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
University of South Florida
- Degrees each year
- 1,197
- Admit rate
- 41%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
University of Florida
- Degrees each year
- 816
- Admit rate
- 24%
- Annual cost after aid
- $7,000
Iowa State University
- Degrees each year
- 505
- Admit rate
- 89%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Michigan State University
- Degrees each year
- 705
- Admit rate
- 84%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Texas Tech University
- Degrees each year
- 492
- Admit rate
- 71%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000