### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			agricultural and food science technicians imageAgricultural and food science technicians may apply new agricultural chemicals to plants and perform tests to verify their effects.							
						Quick Facts:     Agricultural and Food Science Technicians2023     Median Pay
            						$47,010     per year
										$22.60     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Associate's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    38,800Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,900What Agricultural and Food Science Technicians Do
                                                
                        
                        
Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Agricultural and food science technicians work in laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, greenhouses, and offices.
            
                                                How to Become an Agricultural or Food Science Technician
                                                
                        
Agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, crop or animal science, or a related field. Some positions require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, and others a high school diploma or equivalent plus related work experience.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for agricultural technicians was $43,180 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for food science technicians was $49,090 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 5,500 openings for agricultural and food science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food science technicians.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food science technicians with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about agricultural and food science technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Agricultural and Food Science Technicians Do 
            

			Agricultural and food science techniciansAgricultural and food science technicians may keep detailed records and collect samples for analyses.			
Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists by performing duties such as measuring and analyzing the quality of food and agricultural products. Duties range from performing agricultural labor with added recordkeeping duties to laboratory testing with significant amounts of office work, depending on the particular field the technician works in.
Duties
Specific duties of these technicians vary with their specialty.
Agricultural science technicians typically do the following:
Follow protocols to collect, prepare, analyze, and properly store crop or animal samples
Operate farm equipment and maintain agricultural production areas to conform to scientific testing parameters
Examine animal and crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems
Measure ingredients used in animal feed and other inputs
Prepare and operate laboratory testing equipment
Compile and analyze test results
Prepare charts, presentations, and reports describing test resultsFood science technicians typically do the following:
Collect and prepare samples in accordance with established procedures
Test food, food additives, and food containers to ensure that they comply with established safety standards
Help food scientists with food research, development, and quality control
Analyze chemical properties of food to determine ingredients and formulas
Compile and analyze test results
Prepare charts, presentations, and reports describing test results
Prepare and maintain quantities of chemicals needed to perform laboratory tests
Maintain a safe, sterile laboratory environmentAgricultural and food science technicians often specialize by subject area, which includes animal health, farm machinery, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, or processing technology. Duties can vary considerably by specialization.
Agricultural science technicians typically study ways to increase the productivity of crops and animals. These workers may keep detailed records, collect samples for analyses, ensure that samples meet proper safety and quality standards, and test crops and animals for disease or to confirm the results of scientific experiments.
Food science technicians who work in manufacturing investigate new production or processing techniques. They also ensure that products will be fit for distribution or are produced as efficiently as expected. Many food science technicians spend time inspecting foodstuffs, chemicals, and additives to determine whether they are safe and have the proper combination of ingredients.
 Work Environment
			Agricultural and food science techniciansAgricultural and food science technicians work on farms and ranches, in greenhouses, offices, laboratories, and processing plants.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Agricultural technicians held about 17,600 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of agricultural technicians were as follows:
        Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                16%Wholesale trade
                12Animal production and aquaculture
                11Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                10Crop production
                6Food science technicians held about 21,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of food science technicians were as follows:
        Food manufacturing
                40%Animal production and aquaculture
                13Crop production
                7Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing
                6Professional, scientific, and technical services
                6Technicians work in a variety of settings, including laboratories, processing plants, farms and ranches, greenhouses, and offices. Technicians who work in processing plants and agricultural settings may face noise from processing and farming machinery, extreme temperatures, and odors from chemicals or animals. They may need to lift and carry objects, and be physically active for long periods of time.
Work Schedules
Agricultural and food science technicians typically work full time and have standard work schedules. Technicians may need to travel, including international travel.
 How to Become an Agricultural or Food Science Technician

			Agricultural and food science techniciansAgricultural and food science technicians conduct a variety of observations and on-site measurements.			
Agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, crop or animal science, or a related field. Some positions require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, and others a high school diploma or equivalent plus related work experience.
Education
Students interested in a career as an agricultural or food science technician should take as many high school science and math classes as possible. A solid background in applied chemistry, biology, physics, math, and statistics is important. Knowledge of how to use spreadsheets and databases also may be necessary.
Agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, crop or animal science, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Some agricultural and food science technician positions require a bachelor’s degree.
Students may take courses in biology, chemistry, plant or animal science, and agricultural engineering as part of their programs. Programs include technical instruction and hands-on experience. Many schools offer internships, cooperative-education, and other programs designed to provide practical experience and enhance employment prospects.
Some agricultural and food science technicians successfully enter the occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent, but they typically need related work experience and on-the-job training that may last a year or more.
Training
Agricultural and food science technicians typically undergo on-the-job training. Various federal government regulations outline the types of training needed for technicians, which varies by work environment and specific job requirements. Training may cover topics such as production techniques, personal hygiene, and sanitation procedures.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Agricultural and food science technicians must conduct a variety of observations and on-site measurements, all of which require precision, accuracy, and math skills.
***Communication skills.*** Agricultural and food science technicians must understand and give clear instructions, keep detailed records, and, occasionally, write reports.
***Critical-thinking skills.*** Agricultural and food science technicians reach conclusions through sound reasoning and judgment. They determine how to improve food quality and must test products for a variety of safety standards.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Agricultural and food science technicians need to work well with others. They may supervise agricultural and food processing workers and receive instruction from scientists or specialists, so effective communication is critical.
***Physical stamina.*** Agricultural and food science technicians who work in manufacturing or agricultural settings may need to stand for long periods, lift objects, and generally perform physical labor.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Workers who enter the occupation with only a high school diploma or equivalent often must have experience in a related occupation during which they develop their knowledge of agriculture or manufacturing processes. These related occupations include food and tobacco processing workers and agricultural workers.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Agricultural and Food Science TechniciansMedian annual wages, May 2023Life, physical, and social science technicians$53,700  Food science technicians$49,090  Total, all occupations$48,060  Agricultural and food science technicians$47,010  Agricultural technicians$43,180Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for agricultural technicians was $43,180 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,470.The median annual wage for food science technicians was $49,090 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,630.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for agricultural technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                $48,290Wholesale trade
                46,100Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                40,520In May 2023, the median annual wages for food science technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing
                $59,660Professional, scientific, and technical services
                54,350Food manufacturing
                47,370Agricultural and food science technicians typically work full time and have standard work schedules. Technicians may need to travel, including international travel.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                      Agricultural and Food Science TechniciansPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Agricultural and food science technicians5%  Food science technicians5%  Life, physical, and social science technicians4%  Agricultural technicians4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of agricultural and food science technicians is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 5,500 openings for agricultural and food science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Demand will continue for agricultural research into topics such as water resources, pests and pathogens, climate and weather patterns, and biofuels and other agricultural products.
Agricultural science technicians will be needed to assist agricultural and food scientists in investigating and improving the diets, living conditions, and genetic makeup of livestock. Food science technicians will help scientists improve food-processing techniques, ensuring that products are safe, waste is limited, and food is shipped efficiently. Technicians also will continue to be needed to help analyze soil composition and soil improvement techniques, find uses for agricultural byproducts, and selectively breed crops to resist pests and disease or to improve taste.
			

                        Employment projections data for     agricultural and food science technicians, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Agricultural and food science technicians**
			19-4010
			38,800
			40,700
			5
			1,900
			Get data**Agricultural technicians**
			19-4012
			17,600
			18,400
			4
			800
			Get data**Food science technicians**
			19-4013
			21,200
			22,300
			5
			1,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Agricultural technicians
					Food science technicians **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of agricultural and food science technicians. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Agricultural and Food Scientists**
            Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $76,400**Agricultural Engineers**
            Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $88,750**Agricultural Workers**
            Agricultural workers maintain crops and tend livestock.
            See How to Become One
            $34,790**Animal Care and Service Workers**
            Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $31,830**Biological Technicians**
            Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
            Bachelor's degree
            $51,430**Chemical Technicians**
            Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.
            Associate's degree
            $56,750**Conservation Scientists and Foresters**
            Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
            Bachelor's degree
            $68,300**Environmental Science and Protection Technicians**
            Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.
            Associate's degree
            $50,660**Food Processing Equipment Workers**
            Food processing equipment workers operate machinery that mixes, cooks, or processes ingredients for manufacturing food products.
            See How to Become One
            $38,130**Microbiologists**
            Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.
            Bachelor's degree
            $85,470
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about agricultural and soil science occupations, visit
American Society of Agronomy
Future Farmers of America
Soil Science Society of America
For more information about food and animal science occupations, visit
American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists
American Society of Animal Science
Institute of Food Technologists
For information from related governmental agencies, visit
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Smithsonian Institution

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Agricultural TechniciansFood Science TechniciansPrecision Agriculture Technicians
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Agricultural and Food Science Technicians, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-science-technicians.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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