Agricultural Scientist
SOC 19-1011.00 · ESCO 2132 · OSCA 244132
Role snapshot
Overview
Conducts research on crop yields, soil health, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. Designs field experiments, analyses data, and publishes findings that help farmers and policymakers make evidence-based decisions, contributing to food security and environmental sustainability.
Contributes to global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability for farmers by developing innovative and efficient agricultural methods and technologies.
On the job
- Design and implement field and laboratory experiments to test agricultural hypotheses.
- Collect and analyze data on crop growth, soil composition, and pest incidence.
- Develop and recommend sustainable farming practices, such as integrated pest management or precision agriculture.
- Publish research findings in scientific journals and present at conferences.
- Collaborate with farmers, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to apply research outcomes.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
A bachelor's or master's degree in agricultural science, agronomy, soil science, or a related field is typically required. A Ph.D. may be necessary for advanced research positions.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
high
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
Data analysis, literature review, and initial experimental design in agricultural science are significantly exposed to AI automation.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While specific tasks can be automated, designing novel field experiments, interpreting complex results, and providing context-specific advice resists full automation.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The agricultural sector has increasing pressure for efficiency, leading to moderate to high adoption of AI in data processing and precision farming recommendations.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success critically depends on human judgment for interpreting variable field conditions, building farmer trust, and advising on complex policy and ecological interactions.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role requires continuous adaptation to new scientific methods, technologies, and evolving challenges in food security and environmental sustainability.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Analyzing large datasets of crop yields and soil composition
- Automating literature reviews for scientific papers
- Generating initial hypotheses for experimental designs
- Monitoring pest incidence and predicting outbreaks via sensor data
- Drafting sections of research reports and scientific papers
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Designing and implementing complex, multi-variable field experiments
- Interpreting unexpected or nuanced results from real-world conditions
- Building collaborative relationships with farmers and stakeholders
- Providing tailored, context-specific recommendations to diverse audiences
- Developing long-term sustainable farming strategies
- Securing research funding through compelling proposals
- Navigating ethical considerations in agricultural research
How the role may evolve
From data crunching to strategic interpretation and stakeholder engagement.
The role will shift from spending extensive time on data processing to focusing on the strategic interpretation of AI-generated insights and fostering collaborative relationships.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency in advanced statistical modeling and AI interpretation
- Strong communication and collaboration skills for stakeholder engagement
- Adaptive experimental design in response to new data
- Ethical decision-making in agricultural innovation
- Translating complex scientific findings into practical advice
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Agricultural Scientist
Research & Academia
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · IRC
People who enjoy systematic inquiry, hands-on scientific work, and structured data analysis to solve practical problems in agriculture tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Inquisitive
Enjoys exploring complex biological and environmental systems to uncover new knowledge.
Methodical
Approaches research with systematic planning, attention to detail, and thorough execution.
Reserved
Prefers working independently or in small, focused teams, rather than extensive public interaction.
Cooperative
Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve common research and agricultural goals.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure and objectivity when experiments face challenges or results are unexpected.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about applying scientific principles to agricultural challenges.
- Those who enjoy a mix of intellectual investigation and practical, hands-on work.
- People who are detail-oriented, persistent, and driven by scientific discovery.
Watch out for
- Requires patience for long-term experiments and potentially slow research cycles.
- Some field work can be physically demanding or occur in challenging weather conditions.
- Grant writing and funding acquisition can be a significant part of the role.
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Agricultural Scientist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Agricultural Scientist roles
What does an Agricultural Scientist do?
An Agricultural Scientist conducts research on crop yields, soil health, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. Designs field experiments, analyses data, and publishes findings that help farmers and policymakers make evidence-based decisions, contributing to food security and environmental sustainability. Contributes to global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability for farmers by developing innovative and efficient agricultural methods and technologies.
How much does an Agricultural Scientist earn?
An Agricultural Scientist earns a median of $85,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $65,000 to $115,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Agricultural Scientist?
To become an Agricultural Scientist, a bachelor's or master's degree in agricultural science, agronomy, soil science, or a related field is typically required. A Ph.D. may be necessary for advanced research positions.
What personality suits an Agricultural Scientist?
Agricultural Scientist roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 80/100) and open and curious — drawn to variety, ideas and new approaches (Openness 78/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Inquisitive, Methodical, Reserved and Cooperative. Enjoys exploring complex biological and environmental systems to uncover new knowledge. On interests, Agricultural Scientist maps to an IRC Holland Code profile — people who enjoy systematic inquiry, hands-on scientific work, and structured data analysis to solve practical problems in agriculture tend to thrive in this role.
Who does an Agricultural Scientist role suit?
An Agricultural Scientist role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Investigative alignment: involves extensive research, data analysis, and problem-solving. Combines Realistic activities like field and lab work with intellectual challenges. High Conscientiousness is well-suited for the methodical nature of scientific experimentation and reporting.
What are the downsides of being an Agricultural Scientist?
Agricultural Scientist roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Requires patience for long-term experiments and potentially slow research cycles. Some field work can be physically demanding or occur in challenging weather conditions. Grant writing and funding acquisition can be a significant part of the role.
What is the work environment like for an Agricultural Scientist?
Work as an Agricultural Scientist is mostly mixed-based with hybrid arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 38% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be an Agricultural Scientist?
Core skills for an Agricultural Scientist include Experimental design, Data analysis, Scientific writing, Soil science, Crop physiology and Pest management.
How do you become an Agricultural Scientist?
Common entry routes into Agricultural Scientist roles include Research Assistant Agriculture, Agricultural Technician and Junior Plant Scientist.
What career progression is there for an Agricultural Scientist?
From an Agricultural Scientist role, common next steps include Senior Agricultural Scientist and Research Director (Agriculture); lateral moves include University Professor (Agronomy).
What is the job outlook for Agricultural Scientist roles?
The outlook for Agricultural Scientist roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Agricultural Scientist roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Agricultural Scientist roles at 55 out of 100, which is moderate. AI can significantly streamline data analysis and experimental design, while human expertise remains vital for field interpretation, farmer collaboration, and policy advice. AI is most likely to take on analyzing large datasets of crop yields and soil composition, automating literature reviews for scientific papers and generating initial hypotheses for experimental designs. Designing and implementing complex, multi-variable field experiments, interpreting unexpected or nuanced results from real-world conditions and building collaborative relationships with farmers and stakeholders stay with people. From data crunching to strategic interpretation and stakeholder engagement. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.