Life As an Agricultural Technician
Position Description 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.
Life As an Agricultural Technician: What Do They Do?
- Prepare data summaries, reports, or analyses that include results, charts, or graphs to document research findings and results.
- 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.
- Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
- Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
- Assess comparative soil erosion from various planting or tillage systems, such as conservation tillage with mulch or ridge till systems, no-till systems, or conventional tillage systems with or without moldboard plows.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Agricultural Technician?
Agricultural Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Feed Research Aide
- Urban Gardening Specialist
- Fowl Blood Tester
- Field Service Poultry Technician
- Seed Specialist
Agricultural Technician Employment Estimates
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. There will be an estimated 3,000 positions for Agricultural Technician per year.

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.
Average Agricultural Technicians Salary
The typical yearly salary for Agricultural Technicians is somewhere between $26,980 and $64,020.

Agricultural Technicians who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Agricultural Technicians make 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Agricultural Technicians
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Agricultural Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- 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 to Become an Agricultural Technician
Are there Agricultural Technicians education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Agricultural Technician?

Where Agricultural Technicians Are Employed

Agricultural Technicians work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Muhammad Irshad Ansari via CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |