Agricultural Technicians

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources · Food Products and Processing Systems

Bright outlookJob zone 3: medium preparationO*NET 19-4012.00

Pay and outlook shown for

median pay per year, Texas (no San Antonio figure is published for this career)

$37k10th$50kMedian$96k90th

New workers start near $37,400; experienced workers reach $95,850. About 120 people do this job in Texas.

Job outlook

U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.

Employment change: +4%; nationwide
Openings a year: 2,900; nationwide, from growth and people leaving
Employed in 2024: 18,600; nationwide

Typical entry education: Associate's degree · Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Alamo Colleges programs that lead here

9 programs, with the college that teaches each.

Apply to Alamo Colleges

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

Reading Comprehension3.5
Critical Thinking3.5
Active Listening3.3
Writing3.4
Active Learning3.1
Monitoring3.1
Judgment and Decision Making3.0
Speaking3.0

What the work is

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.

Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

High school or less45%
Some college5%
Associate degree13%
Bachelor's degree24%
Master's degree5%
Doctoral or professional7%

Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.

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