Soil and Plant Scientists
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth.
About the profession
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
How to Get Started
Take a personality test to see if Soil and Plant Scientists fits your profile
Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
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Jump to Learning Path →Video
Occupation on screen: Soil and Plant Scientists (O*NET 19-1013.00). Closed captions in English and Spanish. CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration)
Personality Fit
Based on the Soil and Plant Scientists role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
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Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Resident/Fellow Soil and Plant Scientist → Practitioner Soil and Plant Scientist → Senior Soil and Plant Scientist → Department Lead Soil and Plant Scientist
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
$119K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $43,790 - $62,695/year With equity/bonuses: $48,169 - $75,234 Top markets (SF/NYC): $50,358 - $75,234 Execute core tasks using Reading…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $30,653 - $56,426 Year 2-3: Junior level $62,695 - $77,520 Year 4-6: Mid level $77,520 - $84,048 Year 7-10: Senior level $84,048 - $105,530 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Soil and Plant Scientist genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Reading Comprehension and Speaking You communicate clearly with…
💰 Salary Range
BLS OEWS, May 2023Half of U.S. workers in this occupation earn more than this, half earn less.
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types