Careers in the agriculture Industry
-Allan Savory
Top Jobs in agriculture - Check out some of the fastest growing jobs
Agriculture and Food Scientists
- Job outlook: 6% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $65,160 per year/$31.33 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree
biological technicians
- Job outlook: 5% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $45,860 per year/$22.05 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: Bachelor’s degree biology
conservation scientists and foresters assistants
- Job outlook: 19% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $35,720 per year/$17.17 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: College diploma or associate degree
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
- Job outlook: 8% increase from 2019-2029 (BLS)
- Average salary: $46,540 per year/$22.38 per hour (BLS)
- Education requirement: Associate’s degree
agriculture occupations
careers within agriculture
Employment in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations is projected to show little or no change from 2019 to 2029. Projected increases in some agricultural worker occupations and for fishing and hunting workers will be offset by declines in logging occupations. Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations was one of the lowest paid occupational groups, with a median annual wage of $27,180 in May 2019 compared to the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810.
Careers in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster involve the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fuel, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.
The agriculture industry has a multitude of opportunities for you. Explore all the paths you can take in this industry or explore some of the top occupations by checking out the top jobs.
Agribusiness Systems
Agribusiness is the coordination of all activities that contribute to the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing and development of agricultural commodities and resources. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products and services. Agribusiness is a high-tech industry that uses satellite systems, computer databases and spreadsheets, biotechnology and many other innovations to increase efficiency and profitability.
Animal Systems
People who work in the Animal Systems pathway work to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. They study genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development of domesticated farm animals. Some individuals inspect and grade livestock food products, purchase livestock or work in technical sales or marketing. Others advise agricultural producers on how to upgrade animal housing facilities properly, lower mortality rates, handle waste matter or increase production of animal products, such as milk or eggs. Animal care workers train, feed, water, groom, bathe and exercise animals. They also clean, disinfect and repair their cages.
Food Products and Processing Systems
People who work in the Food Products and Processing Systems pathway discover new food sources, analyze food content and develop ways to process, preserve, package or store food according to industry and government regulations. They create new food products to meet consumer needs and inspect food-processing areas to ensure that sanitation, safety, quality and waste management standards are met.
Natural Resources Systems
People who work in the Natural Resources Systems pathway perform a variety of tasks from helping to develop, maintain, and manage the forest and natural environment to catching and trapping various types of marine life for human consumption, animal feed, bait and other uses. Forest and rangelands supply wood products, livestock forage, minerals and water; serve as sites for recreational activities; and provide habitats for wildlife. Conservation scientists and foresters manage, develop, use and help protect these and other natural resources.
Plant Systems
People who work in the Plant Systems pathway study plants and their growth. This helps producers of food, feed and fiber crops continue to feed a growing population while conserving natural resources and maintaining the environment. Individuals in this pathway also develop ways to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seeds. They use genetic engineering to develop crops resistant to pests and drought.
Power, Structural and Technical Systems
People who work in the Power, Structural and Technical Systems pathway apply knowledge of engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, power, structures, and controls to the field of agriculture. They design agricultural structures as well as machinery and equipment. They develop ways to conserve soil and water and to improve the processing of agricultural products.
