Soil and plant scientists study the biology and chemistry of plants and soil to solve problems in agriculture, environmental management, and food production. The work is research-driven, requires a master's degree, and sits at the intersection of biology and problem-solving.
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Soil and plant scientists conduct research and analysis to understand how plants grow, how soil supports agriculture, and how to improve crop yields and sustainability. You'll spend time in labs analyzing data, in fields collecting samples, and at computers processing information and updating your knowledge of current research. The work involves making decisions about experimental design, interpreting complex biological and chemical data, and communicating findings through writing and speaking. You may focus on plant genetics, soil health, pest management, or environmental conservation depending on your specialization.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Soil and Plant Scientists earn a median of $78,850 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 1,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a master's degree to enter this field, which typically takes two years beyond your bachelor's degree. Your undergraduate foundation should include biology, chemistry, and mathematics. During your master's program, you'll take advanced courses in plant science, soil science, and research methods while conducting original research. Many programs include internships or assistantships that give you hands-on lab and field experience. After your degree, you may pursue additional certifications or credentials depending on your specific career path and employer requirements.
Most soil and plant scientists earn their master's degree through a combination of coursework and research. The path varies by institution and specialization, so if you're deciding between programs or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the soil and plant scientist path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the best fit for your goals.
Many soil and plant scientists must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
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're drawn to investigative work that combines curiosity about the natural world with data analysis and problem-solving. You enjoy research, learning new methods, and using science to answer real questions.
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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).