Precision Agriculture Technician
Precision agriculture technicians apply geospatial technology, sensors, and data analytics to optimize crop production. They operate GPS-guided equipment, manage drone imaging programs, interpret yield maps, and recommend variable-rate application strategies. The BLS reports a median salary of $46,910 with 7% projected growth, driven by increasing adoption of agricultural technology. An associate degree or agricultural technology certificate is often sufficient for entry.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts by downloading overnight data from field-mounted soil moisture sensors and reviewing satellite imagery for crop stress indicators. Mid-morning involves flying a drone over a cornfield to capture multispectral images, then processing the data in mapping software. After lunch, the technician calibrates a variable-rate fertilizer spreader using GPS prescriptions. Late afternoon includes training a farmer on how to read yield monitor data and preparing a field report comparing this season's performance to benchmarks.
Key Stats
Education
Associate Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $34,000
Median: $46,910
Senior: $68,000
Job Growth