Soil and Plant Scientists

SOC code 19-1013 · O*NET-SOC 19-1013.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Soil and Plant Scientists pay

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

Median pay

$78,850

a year

Hourly

$37.91

per hour

10th$48,680Median$78,85090th$138,120

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

Average pay

$87,720

$42.17 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,660 – $103,740

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$48,680 – $138,120

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

15,730

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $48,680; $23.41/hr
25th percentile: $61,660; $29.65/hr
Median percentile: $78,850; $37.91/hr
75th percentile: $103,740; $49.88/hr
90th percentile: $138,120; $66.40/hr

What do soil and plant scientists do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 29% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree29%
Bachelor's Degree24%
Doctoral Degree19%
Post-Secondary Certificate5%

Common questions

How much does a soil and plant scientists earn?

The national median is $78,850 a year. The full range runs from $48,680 at the 10th percentile to $138,120 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 soil and plant scientists without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Science4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Writing3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Biology4.4/5
English Language4.0/5
Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Chemistry3.8/5
Mathematics3.8/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Geography3.4/5
Communications and Media3.4/5

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