Highest-Paying Careers in Agriculture: Salaries, Top Requirements and Job Outlook in 10 years

Highest-Paying Careers in Agriculture and their Requirements 

For those who studied agriculture, there are numerous career opportunities in agribusiness. It is a very versatile field that offers jobs in a variety of workplaces. The preceding career alternatives may be intriguing to graduates in agriculture who are looking for the best-paying jobs in this industry.

Although not entirely, these jobs pay very well, most applicants just require a four-year degree in agriculture to land an entry-level career. Continue reading to know the highest-paying careers in Agriculture.

Highest-paying Careers in Agriculture

Here are some of the highest-paying careers in Agriculture that have a promising employment outlook and big earning possibilities.

1. Agricultural Engineer

To support agricultural processes and find solutions to issues, agricultural engineers design machinery, systems, and other equipment. To improve farming operations, they use mechanical, electrical, computer, and environmental engineering techniques.

Requirements:

An undergraduate or graduate degree in agricultural or biological engineering is required for professionals in this industry. In general, an agricultural internship is an excellent way to start out in this industry. Additionally, some applicants complete specific projects and internships in the agricultural industry in addition to regular degrees in electrical, mechanical, civil, or computer engineering.

Salary: In May 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median pay for agricultural engineers was $77,110. Both the lowest and wealthiest 10% made more than $116,850, with the lowest 10% earning less than $46,500.

Job Outlook: Between 2016 and 2026, the BLS predicts that employment of agricultural engineers will have increased by 8%, or approximately as quickly as the average for all occupations.

2. Food and Agricultural Scientists

One of the highest-paying careers in Agriculture you can take is Food Science. Researchers in the fields of agriculture and food seek to increase the yield, caliber, and security of farm animals and field crops. They develop fresh food products, alter already existing ones, and enhance techniques for product delivery, packaging, and preservation.

Requirements:

Most food scientists hold a bachelor’s degree in agricultural or food science. A few professionals continue on to obtain advanced degrees in specialist disciplines including toxicology and dietetics.

Salary: In May 2018, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for agriculture and food scientists was $64,020. The bottom 10% earned less than $38,740, while the top 10% made more than $116,740.

Job Outlook: Between 2016 and 2026, the BLS projects that employment of agricultural and food scientists will have increased by 7% overall, or approximately as quickly as the average for all occupations.

Also Read: 10 Key Benefits of Completing a Master’s Degree

3. Hydrologists

Any agricultural enterprise needs access to water, which is why hydrologists analyze its composition. They assess the effects of agriculture on water quality, keep track of erosion, and look into measures to reduce pollution.

Requirements:

Most hydrologists earn a master’s degree in hydrology with a focus in geology, engineering, or earth science.

Salary: In 2018, hydrologists made an average salary of $79,370, according to the BLS. Less than $48,820 was earned by the bottom 10%, while more than $122,890 was earned by the top 10%.

Job Outlook: The BLS projects a 10% increase in employment for hydrologists between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average for all occupations.  Read further for more highest-paying careers in Agriculture.

Also Read: 10 Best Highest-Paying Countries for Lawyers

4. Veterinarians Technicians 

By assisting veterinarians with the examination and treatment of cattle, pigs, horses, poultry, and other farm animals, veterinarian technicians serve a key role in the agricultural industry. Vet techs assist in setting up equipment, conducting tests, giving medications, and caring for animals.

Requirements:

Though some people pursue a four-year degree in the field, the majority of vet techs complete a two-year post-secondary school in the subject.

Salary: Veterinarian technicians made an average salary of $34,420 in May 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% made under $23,490, while the wealthiest 10% made over $50,010.

5. Plant and Soil Researchers

Crop production is studied and researched by soil and plant experts. They look into cutting-edge techniques for improving soil, eradicating pests and diseases, and producing healthy plant genetics. Scientists that study plants and soils examine the chemical, biological, and mineral makeup of agricultural soils.

Requirements:

Soil and plant scientists must possess a bachelor’s degree in botany, plant science, soil science, or a closely related field of agriculture. If not a Ph.D., candidates for more senior positions typically also hold a master’s degree.

Salary: In May 2017, soil and plant scientists made an average salary of $62,430, with the lowest 10% making less than $38,090 and the highest 10% making as least $112,390.

6. Farm Managers

Managers of farms are in charge of farming activities. Depending on the particular business, this career may involve a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. A farm manager may be in charge of scheduling and carrying out planting and harvesting procedures, hiring, training, and overseeing farm laborers, as well as keeping records of production and output. A farm manager may also be in charge of marketing livestock and produce as well as keeping financial records.

Requirements:

There are many different educational backgrounds among farm managers. Some managers acquired their operational knowledge while working as farm laborers or on their family farms. Others complete bachelor’s degrees in business or agricultural science with some agricultural coursework.

Salary: In May 2018, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for farm and ranch managers was $67,950. Both the lowest and wealthiest 10% earned more than $136,940, with the lowest 10% making less than $35,440. You do not like this? Check more highest-paying careers in Agriculture below.

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7. Farm Goods Brokers and Traders 

The price movements of goods including soybeans, corn, coffee, sugar, cotton, milk, and meat are examined by traders in agricultural commodities. They carry out trades and set market values. Brokers of commodities build relationships with customers and sell agricultural goods to companies that manufacture and distribute food.

Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, finance, agriculture, or economics is required for traders and brokers. An in-depth understanding of the factors influencing the supply and demand of agricultural goods is required to work in this profession.

Salary: Payscale estimates that the average annual salary for commodities traders is $78,214, with the lowest 10% making $49,000 and the highest 10% making $138,000 or more.

8. Agricultural Supplies and Equipment Sales 

Sales reps for agriculture advertise items used on farms, such as seed, fertilizer, machinery, tools, fuel, computer software, greenhouses, and fencing. They secure clients, negotiate the conditions of sales, and educate and train farmers on any new items they sell.

Requirements:

Agricultural sales representatives come from a variety of backgrounds, including graduates of agricultural and business degree programs as well as individuals with prior farming experience.

Salary: In May 2018, the BLS reported that manufacturing sales representatives made an average salary of $61,660. The richest 10% made more than $122,770, while the lowest 10% made less than $29,140.

Job Outlook: Between 2016 and 2026, employment opportunities in this industry are predicted to have expanded by around 5%, which is roughly as quickly as the national average for all occupations. You do not like this? Check more highest-paying careers in Agriculture below.

9. Forest Engineer

Given the significance of healthy forests on a global scale, this is a crucial position.

Environmental engineering experts include forest engineers. To supervise and direct the development, usage, and preservation of forests, they collaborate with firms that manage forest resources.

What qualifications and abilities are often needed?

For a job as a forest engineer, a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a closely related discipline is required. Although it is not necessary, a master’s degree might be useful for advancing to higher positions.

Strong critical thinking abilities and a scientific attitude are required of these engineers. To work well with others, you should also have strong interpersonal skills. This will be the last on the list of the highest-paying careers in Agriculture.

Agricultural Jobs FAQs

Conclusion

Study agriculture if you have the aptitude, the urge, and the passion. With relation to employment opportunities, salary scale, and satisfaction, you will undoubtedly reap copious advantages.

We hope that after reading about all of these highest-paying professions in agriculture, you are well-informed about the numerous career paths that are open to you.

“To help you study and earn more, we identified the Highest-Paying Careers in Agriculture using the most recent data and insights”.

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