What You Need to Know About Agricultural Technicians

Job Description: 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.

What do Agricultural Technicians do On a Daily Basis?

• Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
• Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
• Collect animal or crop samples.
• Supervise pest or weed control operations, including locating and identifying pests or weeds, selecting chemicals and application methods, or scheduling application.
• Determine the germination rates of seeds planted in specified areas.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.

Agricultural Technician Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Agricultural Technicians say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Other Agricultural Technician Job Titles

• Agricultural Technician
• Senior Agricultural Assistant
• Landscaping Specialist
• Agricultural Specialist
• Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)

Agricultural Technician Job Outlook

There were about 27,500 jobs for Agricultural and Food Science Technicians in 2016 (in the United States).

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Agricultural Technicians by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,000 positions for Agricultural Technician per year.

The states with the most job growth for Agricultural and Food Science Technicians are California, Texas, and New York.

Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Hawaii, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for Agricultural Technicians

The typical yearly salary for Agricultural and Food Science Technicians is somewhere between $26,980 and $64,020. The median salary for this occupation is $40,860.

How much do Agricultural and Food Science Technicians make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
New Jersey	$58,440
Massachusetts	$54,500
West Virginia	$53,260
New York	$51,940
Iowa	$49,940
North Dakota	$49,640
Missouri	$46,660
Texas	$46,390
Colorado	$45,670
California	$45,400
Vermont	$44,810
Hawaii	$44,730
Kentucky	$44,720
Indiana	$44,190
Montana	$43,650
North Carolina	$43,380
Kansas	$43,210
Oregon	$43,040
Minnesota	$42,580
Ohio	$42,360
Arizona	$42,000
Washington	$41,830
Georgia	$41,780
Illinois	$41,750
New Mexico	$41,170
Pennsylvania	$40,950
Arkansas	$40,800
Maryland	$40,390
Florida	$40,230
Wisconsin	$39,730
Tennessee	$39,440
Nebraska	$39,140
Idaho	$38,510
Virginia	$38,130
Michigan	$38,010
Alabama	$37,960
Mississippi	$37,800
Louisiana	$37,510
Utah	$36,940
Maine	$36,430
Oklahoma	$33,970
South Dakota	$29,370

What Tools & Technology do Agricultural Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Agricultural Technicians:

• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Data entry software
• SAP
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office

Becoming an Agricultural Technician

Individuals working as Agricultural Technicians have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become an Agricultural Technician?

Who Employs Agricultural Technicians?

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons