Agricultural Scientist Salary in 2026
Research and develop methods to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Median Salary
$72,000
$6,000/mo
Entry Level
$52,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$98,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Agricultural Scientist Overview
Research and develop methods to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Education
Master's/Doctorate
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
38K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$34.62/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,000
Agricultural Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Agricultural Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Agricultural Scientist Salary
$82,000
$6,833/month · $3,154/biweekly · $39.42/hr
Agricultural Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Agricultural Scientist field.
Entry-level Agricultural Scientists earn around $52,000, while the top 10% earn $109,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Agricultural Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,000 | +$13,000 |
| Illinois | $75,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Iowa | $67,000 | $-5,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Agricultural Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | $76,000 | +$4,000 |
| Chicago | $76,000 | +$4,000 |
| Gainesville | $72,000 | $0 |
| Houston | $71,000 | $-1,000 |
| Des Moines | $66,000 | $-6,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Agricultural Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Agricultural Scientist from entry level to expert.
$52,000
0-2 years
$75,000
3-7 years
$98,000
8-14 years
$120,000
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Agricultural Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Agricultural Scientist in the United States is $72,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $52,000, while senior professionals earn up to $98,000. Top earners in the field can make $120,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Agricultural Scientist?
A Agricultural Scientist typically requires a Master's/Doctorate with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Crop Science, Soil Analysis, Genetics. Relevant certifications such as None typically required can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Agricultural Scientists?
The job market for Agricultural Scientists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 38K Agricultural Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 8%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Agricultural Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Agricultural Scientists include California, Iowa, Illinois. In California, the median salary is approximately $85,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Agricultural Scientist salary?
To increase your Agricultural Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Crop Science and Soil Analysis. Pursue certifications such as None typically required. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Sacramento. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $52,000 to $98,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Agricultural Scientist Salary
How we calculate Agricultural Scientist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $72,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Agricultural Scientist in the Science sector.
- Entry-level ($52,000) and senior-level ($98,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 38K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 8% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Science sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $72,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Agricultural Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Agricultural Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Agricultural Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Crop Science, Soil Analysis, Genetics), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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