Agricultural Technicians in Iowa
Considering working as an Agricultural Technicians in Iowa? Here’s what you need to know. 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.
What do Agricultural Technicians Make in Iowa?
The agricultural technicians working in Iowa, wages run about $39,330 per year (or roughly $18.91/hour).Earnings range from $28,900 at the 10th percentile to $59,230 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,900 | $13.90 |
| 25th percentile | $29,570 | $14.21 |
| Median (50th) | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| 75th percentile | $49,950 | $24.01 |
| 90th percentile | $59,230 | $28.48 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Iowa relative to the national average — is 7.43, indicating that agricultural technicians are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, agricultural technicians earn a median of $44,022 per year ($21.16/hour), lower than the Iowa median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 131,803 agricultural technicians nationwide. In Iowa alone, approximately 1,080 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 220 agricultural technicians.
Top Iowa Metros for Agricultural Technicians
The largest metro-area employers of agricultural technicians in Iowa.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 530 | $39,340 |
| Ames, IA | 150 | $46,630 |
| Iowa City, IA | 70 | $54,320 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 30 | $37,060 |
Top States for Agricultural Technicians Employment
View the states that employ the most agricultural technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 3,100 |
| Iowa | 1,080 |
| Minnesota | 810 |
| Idaho | 580 |
| Missouri | 540 |
| Georgia | 510 |
| Wisconsin | 500 |
| Nebraska | 500 |
| Oregon | 420 |
| Washington | 420 |
| Illinois | 420 |
| North Carolina | 410 |
| South Dakota | 380 |
| Maryland | 340 |
| Arkansas | 330 |
| Indiana | 250 |
| Michigan | 250 |
| Virginia | 230 |
| Mississippi | 220 |
| Kansas | 220 |
Highest-Paying States for Agricultural Technicians
The highest-paying states for agricultural technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $63,340 |
| Wyoming | $60,490 |
| California | $58,330 |
| West Virginia | $55,560 |
| Minnesota | $55,190 |
| Colorado | $51,380 |
| Montana | $51,170 |
| Tennessee | $51,170 |
| Florida | $49,280 |
| Delaware | $49,030 |
Skills
Top agricultural technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for agricultural technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Agricultural Technicians typically:
- 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.
- Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
- 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 laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
- Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Access In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- General Biology
- Animal Science
- General Agriculture
- Plant Sciences
- Soil Sciences
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to agricultural technicians include:
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Agricultural Engineers
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Animal Scientists
- Food Scientists and Technologists
Also Known As
Acidity Tester, Agricultural Assistant, Agricultural Equipment Technician, Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Research Technologist, Agricultural Service Technician, Agricultural Specialist, Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant, Agriculture Field Technician (Agriculture Field Tech), Agriculture Research Lab Assistant (Agriculture Research Laboratory Assistant), Agriculture Technician (Agriculture Tech), Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech), Agronomy Technician (Agronomy Tech), Artificial Breeding Technician (Artificial Breeding Tech).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-4012.00
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