How to become an Agricultural Research Scientist
Also called: Agricultural Scientist
Researches and studies commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries.
Main tasks
- Researches and studies the environmental factors affecting commercial crop production, pasture growth and animal breeding
- Researches and studies the effects of cultivation techniques, soils, insects and plant diseases on animal and crop production
- Develops procedures and techniques for solving agricultural or horticultural problems, and improving the efficiency of production
- Designs and conducts experiments to test new farming methods and technologies
- Collaborates with farmers and industry stakeholders to prioritise research needs
- Writes research proposals and secures funding for agricultural research projects, and presents findings at conferences and publishes them in scientific journals
- Provides technical advice and support to farmers on best practices for crop cultivation and animal husbandry
- Develops and implements strategies for sustainable agriculture and resource management
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Diploma of Applied Agronomy (AHC51920)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $107,848 a year
- About 9,400 people work in this job group now, and about 11,100 are projected by 2035. (+17.5%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become an Agricultural Research Scientist?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Diploma of Applied Agronomy.
How much does an Agricultural Research Scientist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $107,848 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Agricultural Research Scientist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 9,400 to about 11,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Agricultural Research Scientist?
Usually. 83% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of an Agricultural Research Scientist?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04