Agricultural technicians support farming and plant production by operating equipment, monitoring crops, and keeping detailed records. You can enter this field with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. The work is hands-on, practical, and essential to food production.
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Agricultural technicians work in fields, greenhouses, and farms to support plant growth and crop management. You operate mechanized equipment and vehicles, identify plant health issues, and document what you observe. You communicate findings to supervisors and colleagues, perform physical tasks like planting and maintenance, and gather information about soil, weather, and crop conditions. The role combines biology and mechanics, requiring you to understand food production systems and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Agricultural Technicians earn a median of $49,630 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 2,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most agricultural technician roles require a high school diploma and medium-level preparation. You'll learn through on-the-job training, where experienced workers teach you equipment operation, plant identification, and record-keeping. Some employers prefer candidates with coursework in biology, chemistry, or agriculture. Community colleges and agricultural extension programs offer relevant classes that can strengthen your foundation. Start by seeking entry-level positions at farms, nurseries, or agricultural companies willing to train you.
Agricultural technician roles vary by employer and region, so exploring what's available near you matters. Use Pathly can map the agricultural technician path that fits you to map out your next steps and talk through options with a counselor who knows your local job market.
Many agricultural technicians must be licensed to practice.
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You thrive in hands-on work with equipment and systems. You notice details, solve practical problems, and prefer learning by doing rather than sitting in a classroom.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).