What Does it Take to Be an Agricultural Technician?
Example of Agricultural Technician Job 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.
Daily Life Of an Agricultural Technician
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
- 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.
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
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Things an Agricultural Technician Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Agricultural Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
- Cow Tester
- Insect Control Aide
- Seed Specialist
- Faculty Research Assistant
Are There Job Opportunities for Agricultural Technicians?
In the United States, there were 27,500 jobs for Agricultural Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Agricultural Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Agricultural Technician are Nevada, Utah, and Idaho. 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 an Agricultural Technician
The salary for Agricultural Technicians ranges between about $26,980 and $64,020 a year.
Agricultural Technicians who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or New York, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Agricultural Technicians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $37,960 |
| Arizona | $42,000 |
| Arkansas | $40,800 |
| California | $45,400 |
| Colorado | $45,670 |
| Florida | $40,230 |
| Georgia | $41,780 |
| Hawaii | $44,730 |
| Idaho | $38,510 |
| Illinois | $41,750 |
| Indiana | $44,190 |
| Iowa | $49,940 |
| Kansas | $43,210 |
| Kentucky | $44,720 |
| Louisiana | $37,510 |
| Maine | $36,430 |
| Maryland | $40,390 |
| Massachusetts | $54,500 |
| Michigan | $38,010 |
| Minnesota | $42,580 |
| Mississippi | $37,800 |
| Missouri | $46,660 |
| Montana | $43,650 |
| Nebraska | $39,140 |
| New Jersey | $58,440 |
| New Mexico | $41,170 |
| New York | $51,940 |
| North Carolina | $43,380 |
| North Dakota | $49,640 |
| Ohio | $42,360 |
| Oklahoma | $33,970 |
| Oregon | $43,040 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,950 |
| South Dakota | $29,370 |
| Tennessee | $39,440 |
| Texas | $46,390 |
| Utah | $36,940 |
| Vermont | $44,810 |
| Virginia | $38,130 |
| Washington | $41,830 |
| West Virginia | $53,260 |
| Wisconsin | $39,730 |
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 Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- Statistical software
- Desktop publishing software
- Microsoft operating system
How do I Become an Agricultural Technician?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Agricultural Technician?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Agricultural Technicians Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Agricultural Technicians employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Muhammad Irshad Ansari via CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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