Soil Scientist
Soil and plant scientists conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants. They study soil composition and properties to determine how they affect plant growth and recommend soil management practices. The BLS reports a median salary of $66,750 with 5% projected growth. Career paths include environmental consulting, government agencies like the USDA, and agribusiness companies.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with a field visit to collect soil core samples from a farm being evaluated for a new crop rotation. Mid-morning involves processing samples in the lab, testing for pH, nutrients, and organic matter content. After lunch, the scientist writes a soil management report with fertilizer recommendations for a client. Late afternoon includes meeting with a construction company about soil stability for a new development site and entering data into the national soil database.
Key Stats
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $44,000
Median: $66,750
Senior: $100,000
Job Growth