Career Explorer Science
Grows with AI
Agricultural technicians
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.
More resilient than most: more resilient than 66% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is moderate (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +5.4% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision and physical dexterity.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $49,630
- Job growth to 2035
- +5.4%
- Openings a year
- 2,800
- People doing it (2025)
- 19,500
- Usual route in
- Associate's degree, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance
- Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment
- Advise others on the design or use of technologies
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Analyze environmental or geospatial data
- Maintain operational records
- Collect environmental or biological samples
What the work looks like
- 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.
- Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Cooks, private householdHuman edge, growing, Index 74, +5.1%
- Audiovisual equipment installers and repairersHuman edge, growing, Index 79, +4.8%
- Museum technicians and conservatorsHuman edge, growing, Index 71, +3.6%
- Avionics techniciansHuman edge, growing, Index 84, +9.4%
Also known as: Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech), Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech), Agriculture Assistant, Seed Analyst, Agronomist, Crop Specialist, Precision Agriculture Specialist (Precision Ag Specialist), Precision Agronomist.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.