Agricultural Technician
Agricultural technicians help scientists, producers, and research teams understand what is happening with crops, soil, animals, equipment, and growing conditions. They collect samples, operate testing equipment, record observations, and turn field and laboratory measurements into reliable data.
What does this career do?
Agricultural technicians help scientists, producers, and research teams understand what is happening with crops, soil, animals, equipment, and growing conditions. They collect samples, operate testing equipment, record observations, and turn field and laboratory measurements into reliable data.
Core tasks
- Collect and prepare crop, soil, feed, or animal samples using established procedures.
- Operate and maintain field or laboratory equipment.
- Observe crops or animals for signs of disease, pests, stress, or other problems.
- Record measurements accurately and organize results for scientists or managers.
- Help run experiments designed to improve productivity, health, or resource use.
Using Precision Agriculture & Data
- Gather information from sensors, GPS tools, field monitors, or digital records to understand growing conditions.
- Organize measurements so scientists and producers can compare treatments, spot patterns, and make evidence-based decisions.
Supporting Crop & Animal Health
- Monitor plants or animals for signs of pests, disease, nutrition problems, or environmental stress.
- Help test practical changes in feed, soil, irrigation, growing methods, or equipment and document the results.
A Day in This Career
- Check the day’s field or lab plan and calibrate the tools you will use.
- Collect samples or measurements from a greenhouse, field plot, animal facility, or laboratory.
- Label samples carefully and enter observations into a digital record.
- Run tests, compare results with expected ranges, and flag anything unusual.
- Meet with a scientist, agronomist, or farm team to discuss what the data suggest and what should happen next.
Where You Might Work
- Agricultural research organizations
- Universities and extension programs
- Seed, crop, and agricultural technology companies
- Farms, ranches, and greenhouses
- Government agencies and laboratories
Education & Training
- BLS reports that entry requirements vary, but agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate’s degree.
- Helpful programs include agriculture, biology, chemistry, plant science, animal science, or laboratory technology.
- On-the-job training is common for sampling protocols, equipment, production techniques, and safety procedures.
Skills That Matter
- Careful observation
- Data collection
- Laboratory and field equipment
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving and teamwork
High School Game Plan
- Take biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, agriculture, and computer classes.
- Join Future Farmers of America, gardening and recycling clubs, robotics, or environmental activities.
- Look for farm, greenhouse, university, extension, or laboratory volunteer opportunities.
- Practice using spreadsheets and collecting data consistently.
- Try a science-fair or independent project involving plants, soil, water, food, or agricultural technology.
What’s Changing in This Career?
BLS projects overall employment of agricultural and food science technicians to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034. More farms and research programs are using sensors, automation, imaging, and data tools, which makes technicians who are comfortable with both hands-on work and digital information especially useful.
Could this be a good fit for you?
You do not need to have your whole future figured out. These interests are simply clues that this career may be worth exploring.
Research basis: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET Agricultural Technicians. Pay and outlook shown are national figures and can vary by location, employer, education, and experience.