USA Career Guide- Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Education needed to be Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Agricultural and food science technicians typically need an associate’s degree in animal science or a related field. Technicians who have only a high school diploma typically get more on-the-job training than do those with a college degree.
In the high school it is recommended to take  science and math classes. A solid background in applied chemistry, physics, and math is vital.

Pay of Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

The median annual wage of agricultural and food science technicians was $32,760 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,730, and the top 10 percent earned more than $52,600.


Median annual wages of agricultural and food science technicians (May 2010)

Colleges, universities, and professional schools;
state, local, and private $35,020
Dairy product manufacturing $33,930
Scientific research and development services $33,220
Support activities for agriculture and forestry $29,190
Animal slaughtering and processing $26,500
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition

Job Prospects of Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Employment of agricultural and food technicians is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Increased awareness and enforcement of food safety regulations will increase inspection requirements and, therefore, demand for agricultural and food science technicians.
Most growth over the next 10 years is expected to be in federal food inspection jobs. Jobs in private industry will also grow, but at a more modest rate.

Industrial Overview of Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Agricultural and food science technicians held about 21,300 jobs in 2010. The following industries employed the largest number of agricultural and food science technicians in 2010:

Colleges, universities, and professional schools;
state, local, and private    27%
Support activities for agriculture and forestry    13%
Scientific research and development services    8%
Animal slaughtering and processing    7%
Dairy product manufacturing    5%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition

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