# Soil and Plant Scientists

SOC 19-1013. Page: https://educationguide.com/careers/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.

## Pay and outlook
- U.S. median wage $78,850 (middle half $61,660–$103,740; BLS May 2025)
- Jobs 2025-35: 6.7%; ~1.4k openings a year; typical entry: Bachelor's degree

## Fields of degree of young workers (ages 25-34, bachelor's+)

## Median wage by state
- AK: $100,320
- AL: $63,010
- AZ: $83,840
- CA: $91,930
- CO: $75,430
- CT: $67,630
- DC: $107,140
- DE: $65,310
- FL: $103,240
- GA: $65,170
- HI: $84,390
- IA: $96,310
- ID: $95,150
- IL: $79,490
- IN: $80,030
- KS: $65,670
- KY: $67,340
- LA: $60,200
- MA: $69,880
- MD: $85,020
- ME: $78,250
- MI: $65,390
- MN: $79,610
- MO: $76,080
- MS: $72,690
- MT: $73,920
- NC: $76,330
- ND: $65,320
- NE: $77,500
- NJ: $91,970
- NM: $69,480
- NV: $71,450
- NY: $77,800
- OH: $56,820
- OK: $63,910
- OR: $85,150
- PA: $70,550
- PR: $38,980
- SC: $78,850
- SD: $73,590
- TN: $61,950
- UT: $59,900
- VA: $73,920
- VT: $58,220
- WA: $79,970
- WI: $66,200
- WY: $55,680

Method: https://educationguide.com/how-we-score#careers

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