Soil and Plant Scientists
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.
Common Job Titles
- Agronomist
- Research Scientist
- Research Soil Scientist
- Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign field experiments on crop breeding, physiology, yield, and pest control integrating interdisciplinary knowledge of biology, chemistry, and agronomy under varying environmental conditions.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate soil classification systems and mapping products using ESRI ArcGIS, GIS software, and spatial prediction models to support land-use planning and resource management.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize research findings into peer-reviewed publications and technical reports applying principles of scientific writing and statistical analysis using R, SAS, and SPSS.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze soil chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition data using spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, and laboratory analytical equipment to determine relationships with plant growth.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate effects of alternative agricultural practices on soil productivity and crop performance synthesizing data from field trials, laboratory analyses, and geospatial modeling systems.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced analytical instrumentation including ICP-AES, PCR equipment, and electron microscopes following standardized laboratory protocols to quantify soil and plant tissue characteristics.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute soil sampling and field data collection procedures using GPS receivers, augers, and environmental sensors in diverse agricultural and natural landscapes to ensure representative sample acquisition.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex biological and environmental data from multi-source datasets for stakeholders including farmers, policymakers, and interdisciplinary research teams.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate sustainable soil and crop management practices through public presentations, training programs, and consultation with agricultural producers.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop research objectives, experimental designs, and project timelines integrating resource constraints, regulatory requirements, and collaborative team input.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Soil and Plant Scientists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
16,600
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,320. 25th percentile: U.S. $57,950. 50th percentile: U.S. $71,410. 75th percentile: U.S. $98,110. 90th percentile: U.S. $131,440. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $45,320 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $131,440 |
| Workers on average earn | $83,040 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Biology4.4/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
- Chemistry3.8/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- R
- SAS
Technology Skills
- 3dMapper
- Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator EPIC
- European Soil Erosion Model EUROSEM
- GAEA Technologies WinSieve
- GEOEAS
- GSLIB
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
Tools & Equipment
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
- Autosamplers
- Calibrated soil scoops
- Canopy analyzers
- Cell tissue culture incubators
- Circulating water baths
- Colorimeters
- Conductivity meters