What is an Agricultural Technician?
Agricultural Technician 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.
Life As an Agricultural Technician
- Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
- Conduct insect or plant disease surveys.
- Prepare culture media, following standard procedures.
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Collect animal or crop samples.
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Things an Agricultural Technician Should Know How to Do
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Related Job Titles
- Feed Research Technician
- Cattle Tester
- Senior Agricultural Assistant
- Moisture Tester
- Biotechnician
Is There Going to be Demand for Agricultural Technicians?
There were about 27,500 jobs for Agricultural Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Agricultural Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,000 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Agricultural Technician are Nevada, Utah, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Hawaii, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Agricultural Technician
Agricultural Technicians make between $26,980 and $64,020 a year.

Agricultural Technicians who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Agricultural Technicians make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $37,960 |
Arizona | $42,000 |
Arkansas | $40,800 |
California | $45,400 |
Colorado | $45,670 |
Florida | $40,230 |
Georgia | $41,780 |
Hawaii | $44,730 |
Idaho | $38,510 |
Illinois | $41,750 |
Indiana | $44,190 |
Iowa | $49,940 |
Kansas | $43,210 |
Kentucky | $44,720 |
Louisiana | $37,510 |
Maine | $36,430 |
Maryland | $40,390 |
Massachusetts | $54,500 |
Michigan | $38,010 |
Minnesota | $42,580 |
Mississippi | $37,800 |
Missouri | $46,660 |
Montana | $43,650 |
Nebraska | $39,140 |
New Jersey | $58,440 |
New Mexico | $41,170 |
New York | $51,940 |
North Carolina | $43,380 |
North Dakota | $49,640 |
Ohio | $42,360 |
Oklahoma | $33,970 |
Oregon | $43,040 |
Pennsylvania | $40,950 |
South Dakota | $29,370 |
Tennessee | $39,440 |
Texas | $46,390 |
Utah | $36,940 |
Vermont | $44,810 |
Virginia | $38,130 |
Washington | $41,830 |
West Virginia | $53,260 |
Wisconsin | $39,730 |
What Tools & Technology do Agricultural Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Agricultural Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- Statistical software
- Desktop publishing software
- Microsoft operating system
Becoming an Agricultural Technician
What kind of Agricultural Technician requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Agricultural Technician?

Who Employs Agricultural Technicians?

The table below shows the approximate number of Agricultural Technicians employed by various industries.

References:
Image Credit: Muhammad Irshad Ansari via CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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