Agricultural Technician
SOC 19-4012.00 · ESCO 3142 · OSCA 311131
Role snapshot
Overview
Agricultural Technicians play a crucial role in agricultural research and development by providing essential support to scientists. Their responsibilities include the meticulous collection of soil, water, and plant samples from various field sites, conducting a range of laboratory tests, and ensuring the proper maintenance and calibration of field trial equipment. They are responsible for accurate data recording and contributing to the integrity of research in crop and livestock studies.
Contributes to advancements in sustainable farming practices, crop yield improvement, and livestock health, ultimately supporting food security and environmental stewardship through precise data collection and analysis.
On the job
- Collect and prepare soil, water, and plant tissue samples from field sites and experimental plots.
- Perform routine laboratory analyses using scientific instruments and standard operating procedures.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot field equipment and laboratory instruments.
- Accurately record, organize, and manage experimental data in digital and physical formats.
- Assist with the setup, monitoring, and breakdown of field trials, greenhouse experiments, or livestock studies.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
A certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a related scientific field is often preferred. Practical experience can also be highly valued.
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
moderate
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
Routine data recording, initial sample analysis, and basic field observations are highly exposed to AI, which can process and interpret data efficiently.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While data analysis and some lab tests can be automated, the physical collection, preparation, and specialized troubleshooting of equipment require human input.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
Research institutions have a strong incentive to adopt AI for efficiency in data handling and analysis, but safety and custom experimental setups will temper full automation.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Precision in physical sample handling, troubleshooting complex instruments, interpreting nuanced experimental results, and adapting to new research protocols rely on human judgment.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
Technicians can transition from routine tasks to focusing on complex data interpretation, advanced equipment management, and supporting experimental design.
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.
- Automated analysis of soil, water, and plant tissue samples
- Generating reports from experimental data
- Predictive maintenance scheduling for lab and field equipment
- Automating the recording and organization of experimental data
- Initial screening of data for anomalies or trends
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Meticulous collection and preparation of diverse samples
- Troubleshooting and calibrating specialized laboratory instruments
- Setting up and maintaining complex field trials or greenhouse experiments
- Interpreting nuanced experimental results and reporting to scientists
- Adapting protocols for unique experimental conditions
- Assisting with livestock studies and animal handling
How the role may evolve
Fewer routine tasks, more focused scientific support.
The role will shift away from repetitive data entry and basic analysis, allowing technicians to engage more deeply with experimental design, complex problem-solving, and advanced equipment management.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency in advanced data analysis tools and LIMS
- Expertise in operating and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation
- Understanding of experimental design and methodology
- Critical thinking for interpreting complex scientific data
- Collaboration and communication with research scientists
- 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 Technician
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RIC
People who enjoy practical, hands-on work in scientific settings, involving systematic data collection, analysis, and adherence to precise procedures, often thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Meticulous in following protocols and ensuring data accuracy in experiments and sample handling.
Inquisitive
Possesses a genuine curiosity about scientific processes and the natural world, enjoying research support tasks.
Reserved
Comfortable working independently on technical tasks and focusing on detailed scientific procedures.
Cooperative
Works effectively as part of a research team, diligently assisting scientists with their objectives.
Stable
Maintains composure and focus when facing unexpected field conditions, equipment challenges, or demanding lab schedules.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy supporting scientific research through practical, detailed-oriented tasks.
- Those who appreciate a blend of field work and rigorous laboratory analysis.
- People who thrive in structured environments with clear protocols and contribute to agricultural advancements.
Watch out for
- Work can be physically demanding, involving outdoor conditions, lifting, and prolonged periods of standing or walking.
- Requires strict adherence to scientific methods and precise data recording, leaving little room for error and demanding high attention to detail.
A week in the life
A representative working week for an Agricultural Technician — 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 Technician roles
What does an Agricultural Technician do?
An Agricultural Technician agricultural Technicians play a crucial role in agricultural research and development by providing essential support to scientists. Their responsibilities include the meticulous collection of soil, water, and plant samples from various field sites, conducting a range of laboratory tests, and ensuring the proper maintenance and calibration of field trial equipment. They are responsible for accurate data recording and contributing to the integrity of research in crop and livestock studies. Contributes to advancements in sustainable farming practices, crop yield improvement, and livestock health, ultimately supporting food security and environmental stewardship through precise data collection and analysis.
How much does an Agricultural Technician earn?
An Agricultural Technician earns a median of $45,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $35,000 to $55,000.
What qualifications do you need to become an Agricultural Technician?
To become an Agricultural Technician, a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in agricultural science, biology, or a related scientific field is often preferred. Practical experience can also be highly valued.
What personality suits an Agricultural Technician?
Agricultural Technician roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 78/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (Emotional Stability 72/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Conscientious, Inquisitive, Reserved and Cooperative. Meticulous in following protocols and ensuring data accuracy in experiments and sample handling. On interests, Agricultural Technician maps to a RIC Holland Code profile — people who enjoy practical, hands-on work in scientific settings, involving systematic data collection, analysis, and adherence to precise procedures, often thrive in this role.
Who does an Agricultural Technician role suit?
An Agricultural Technician role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic and Investigative alignment: the role involves hands-on work, scientific inquiry, and practical problem-solving. High Conscientiousness is rewarded through meticulous data collection, adherence to protocols, and equipment maintenance. Offers a dynamic blend of outdoor field work and indoor laboratory analysis, appealing to diverse practical interests.
What are the downsides of being an Agricultural Technician?
Agricultural Technician roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Work can be physically demanding, involving outdoor conditions, lifting, and prolonged periods of standing or walking. Requires strict adherence to scientific methods and precise data recording, leaving little room for error and demanding high attention to detail.
What is the work environment like for an Agricultural Technician?
Work as an Agricultural Technician is mostly mixed-based with hybrid arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 65% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be an Agricultural Technician?
Core skills for an Agricultural Technician include Sample collection, Laboratory testing, Data recording, Equipment maintenance, Field research methods and Scientific method application.
How do you become an Agricultural Technician?
Common entry routes into Agricultural Technician roles include Lab Assistant, Farm Hand and Environmental Technician.
What career progression is there for an Agricultural Technician?
From an Agricultural Technician role, common next steps include Research Associate (Agriculture) and Agricultural Scientist; lateral moves include Agronomist and Environmental Technician.
What is the job outlook for Agricultural Technician roles?
The outlook for Agricultural Technician roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Agricultural Technician roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Agricultural Technician roles at 52 out of 100, which is moderate. Routine data recording and initial sample analysis are increasingly exposed to AI; physical sample collection, complex lab procedures, and equipment troubleshooting continue to rely on human technicians. AI is most likely to take on automated analysis of soil, water, and plant tissue samples, generating reports from experimental data and predictive maintenance scheduling for lab and field equipment. Meticulous collection and preparation of diverse samples, troubleshooting and calibrating specialized laboratory instruments and setting up and maintaining complex field trials or greenhouse experiments stay with people. Fewer routine tasks, more focused scientific support. 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.