How much does a plant scientist make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, in-demand skills, extra degrees, or state licenses. Location and the employer—such as a government agency, university, or research company—also make a difference.

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.

What's a typical day like?

They may walk fields to check crops and collect soil samples, then test samples or run experiments in a lab. They study the results and share findings with farmers, other scientists, or the public.

In the U.S., start with a bachelor’s degree in plant biology, agriculture, or a related field; some research jobs prefer or require a master’s or Ph.D. Some plant- or soil-science roles need a state license, which may require supervised work and an exam.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

A quarter-teaspoon of soil can contain about a billion bacterial cells and several miles of tiny fungal threads!