How to become an Agricultural Technician

Official title: Agricultural Technicians

Also called: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant, Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech), Field Assistant, Insect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech), Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician), Seed Analyst

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. 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. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Main tasks

• Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
• Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
• Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
• Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
• Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
• Collect animal or crop samples.
• Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.

How to become one

Entry requirements for agricultural and food science technicians vary. Some employers require or prefer that candidates have an associate's or bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, agriculture, or a related field. Other employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent and related work experience.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Agriculture, General; Animal Sciences, General; Dairy Science

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $49,630 a year The middle half earn $40,950 to $63,630.
• About 19,500 people work in this job now, and about 20,600 are projected by 2035. (+5.4%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Food Science Technicians
• Hydrologic Technicians
• Biological Technicians
• Chemical Technicians
• Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Agricultural Technician?

Entry requirements for agricultural and food science technicians vary. Some employers require or prefer that candidates have an associate's or bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, agriculture, or a related field. Other employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent and related work experience.

How much does an Agricultural Technician earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $49,630 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $40,950 to $63,630.

Is an Agricultural Technician a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 19,500 to about 20,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become an Agricultural Technician?

Not always. 28% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree.

Will AI change the work of an Agricultural Technician?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.