Agriculture · Plant Systems

Precision Agriculture Technicians

A precision agriculture technician uses data and technology to optimize crop production and farm management. You'll work with computers, analyze field information, and help farmers make decisions that boost yields and efficiency. A bachelor's degree is the typical path.

Median pay
$49,630
per year
Job outlook
+4%
about as fast as average
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
four-year degree
Preparation
Medium
Job Zone 3

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What a precision agriculture technician does

Precision agriculture technicians blend farming knowledge with technology. You'll collect and analyze data from fields, sensors, and equipment to guide planting, irrigation, and pest management decisions. You communicate findings to farmers and agricultural teams, helping them understand what the data means for their operations. You stay current with new tools and software, troubleshoot equipment issues, and work both in the field and at a desk. The role requires strong reading and critical thinking skills to interpret complex information and solve real-world farm challenges.

Core work activities

Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Salary and job outlook

Precision Agriculture 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.

Lowest 10%$35,980
Median$49,630
Highest 10%$76,480

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.

Skills and knowledge you need

Top skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Critical thinking
  • Speaking
  • Active listening
  • Writing
  • Active learning

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and personal service
  • Computers and electronics
  • Sales and marketing
  • English language
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and technology

How to become a precision agriculture technician

Most precision agriculture technician roles require a bachelor's degree. Your coursework will cover computers and electronics, engineering and technology, mathematics, and customer service skills. Look for programs in agriculture, agricultural technology, or related fields that emphasize data analysis and farm management systems. During your studies, you'll develop the reading comprehension, writing, and active learning habits the work demands. Internships on farms or with agricultural technology companies can give you hands-on experience before you graduate.

Your path typically starts with a bachelor's degree in agriculture or a related technology field. Since the route and timeline depend on your current education level and career goals, Pathly can map the precision agriculture technician path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that fit your situation.

Is this a good fit for you?

You're drawn to practical, hands-on problem solving. You like working with data and technology to understand how systems work, and you enjoy helping others make informed decisions based on what you find.

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Related careers

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).