Precision Agriculture Technicians

SOC code 19-4012 · O*NET-SOC 19-4012.01 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Precision Agriculture Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$49,630

a year

Hourly

$23.86

per hour

10th$35,980Median$49,63090th$76,480

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$53,840

$25.89 per hour

Middle 50%

$40,950 – $63,630

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,980 – $76,480

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

15,130

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Agricultural Technicians”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $35,980; $17.30/hr
25th percentile: $40,950; $19.69/hr
Median percentile: $49,630; $23.86/hr
75th percentile: $63,630; $30.59/hr
90th percentile: $76,480; $36.77/hr

What does a precision agriculture technician do?

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information.
Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS).
Use geospatial technology to develop soil sampling grids or identify sampling sites for testing characteristics such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium content, pH, or micronutrients.
Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones, based on soil characteristics and production potentials.
Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings.
Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history.
Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans.
Analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, or weather conditions.

How to become a precision agriculture technician

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree35%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree30%
Post-Secondary Certificate17%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)9%

Common questions

How much does a precision agriculture technician earn?

The national median is $49,630 a year. The full range runs from $35,980 at the 10th percentile to $76,480 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a precision agriculture technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Speaking3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Writing3.5/5
Active Learning3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
Computers and Electronics4.1/5
Sales and Marketing3.5/5
Mathematics3.5/5
English Language3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.4/5
Biology3.4/5
Food Production3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.