Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Agricultural and food scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in animal science, food science, plant biology, or a related field. Employers may prefer or require a master’s or doctoral degree. PayThe median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $81,970 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,700 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $81,970 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,700 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,700 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of agricultural and food production establishments.
Work Environment
Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.
How to Become an Agricultural or Food Scientist
Agricultural and food scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in animal science, food science, plant biology, or a related field. Employers may prefer or require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $81,970 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,700 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.
How to Become an Agricultural or Food Scientist
Agricultural and food scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in animal science, food science, plant biology, or a related field. Employers may prefer or require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $81,970 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,700 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural and food scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural and food scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about agricultural and food scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.