Agricultural Scientist Salary in 2026
Research and develop methods to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Median Salary
$78,850
$6,571/mo
Entry Level
$56,900
starting pay
Senior Level
$107,300
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Soil and Plant Scientists (SOC 19-1013, the closest published occupation to Agricultural Scientist) at a national median of $78,850 per year (mean $87,720), or $37.91 per hour, with 15,730 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
16K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$37.91/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,571
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
$90,000
$7,500/month · $3,462/biweekly · $43.27/hr
Agricultural Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Agricultural Scientist field.
Entry-level Agricultural Scientists earn around $56,900, while the top 10% earn $119,350 or more.
Top Paying States for Agricultural Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $93,000 | +$14,150 |
| Illinois | $82,000 | +$3,150 |
| Texas | $77,000 | $-1,850 |
| Florida | $77,000 | $-1,850 |
| Iowa | $73,000 | $-5,850 |
Top Paying Cities for Agricultural Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | $83,000 | +$4,150 |
| Chicago | $83,000 | +$4,150 |
| Gainesville | $79,000 | +$150 |
| Houston | $78,000 | $-850 |
| Des Moines | $73,000 | $-5,850 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Agricultural Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Agricultural Scientist from entry level to expert.
$56,900
0-2 years
$82,000
3-7 years
$107,300
8-14 years
$131,400
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 $78,850 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Soil and Plant Scientists (SOC 19-1013); the mean is $87,720. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $56,900, senior professionals around $107,300, and top earners at $131,400 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 16K 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 $93,000. 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 $56,900 to $107,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Agricultural Scientist Salary
How we calculate Agricultural Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Soil and Plant Scientists (SOC 19-1013), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $78,850, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Soil and Plant Scientists; BLS mean $87,720; BLS hourly median $37.91.
- Entry-level ($56,900) and senior-level ($107,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 15,730 Soil and Plant Scientists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 8% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $78,850; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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