Soil and Plant Scientists

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Soil and Plant Scientists does

You'll study soil composition and plant growth to improve crop yields, develop sustainable farming practices, and solve agricultural problems. Your research supports food security and environmental health.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a master's degree. About 6 years (bachelor's + ~2-year master's).

Estimated cost of that path: ~$70,000. Estimated payback: ~4 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists — $103,410/yr
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists — $90,150/yr
• Environmental Restoration Planners — $82,220/yr
• Industrial Ecologists — $82,220/yr
• Climate Change Policy Analysts — $82,220/yr