Agricultural Technician
Also called: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant, Seed Analyst
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals.
What does an Agricultural Technician do?
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
How to become an Agricultural Technician
Training: A high school diploma or GED or bachelor's degree. Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Skills you'll use
Is it a fit for you?
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Perseverance
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
Tools and technology
Questions people ask
How much does an Agricultural Technician make?
About $49,630 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $35,980 and $76,480. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.
How long does it take to become an Agricultural Technician?
Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Do you need a college degree to be an Agricultural Technician?
No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED or bachelor's degree.
Is Agricultural Technician a good career to get into?
O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.
Related careers
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Build my free kit →National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.