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
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Agricultural Scientist Salary FAQ
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