Agricultural Technicians Career, Salary and Skills
Agricultural Technicians have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $49,630 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 15,130. Wage data is published for 88 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
19-4012.00
Job zone
3
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$49,630
Hourly median
$23.86
Employment
15,130
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.25 | 3.50 |
| Active Listening | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Active Learning | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Writing | 3.12 | 3.38 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Monitoring | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Instructing | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speaking | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Coordination | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Typical tasks
- Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
- Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
- Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
- Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- Collect animal or crop samples.
- Perform tests on seeds to evaluate seed viability.
Technology
- Email software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
- Statistical software
- Web browser software
Agricultural Technicians salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in CAMedian $60,320 · Employment 2,420
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in GAMedian $48,960 · Employment 1,020
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in ILMedian $46,410 · Employment 700
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in IDMedian $48,870 · Employment 650
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in WIMedian $46,470 · Employment 620
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in NEMedian $47,420 · Employment 580
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in NCMedian $51,470 · Employment 550
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in MNMedian $57,310 · Employment 530
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $63,630 · Employment 500
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in ORMedian $46,800 · Employment 480
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in WAMedian $48,220 · Employment 470
- Agricultural Technicians Salary in Sacramento, CAMedian $62,680 · Employment 460
Related careers
- ChemistsNational median $91,240
- Biofuels Production ManagersNational median $126,060
- Animal ScientistsNational median $68,940
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and TechniciansNational median $59,920
- Chemical TechniciansNational median $60,390
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthNational median $55,090
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, PostsecondaryNational median $98,700
- MicrobiologistsNational median $87,990
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.