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?
| 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
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.