Plant Scientist

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Work Tasks

• Find ways to make crops better and safely control pests and weeds
• Learn how to protect natural resources and keep the environment healthy
• Study plant diseases and help plants produce more food and stay healthy
• Do research and use plants to make new drugs and related products
• Work for the government, colleges and universities, agricultural research stations, commercial research labs, seed companies, drug companies, wholesale distributors, food products companies, and as consultants
• Work with all kinds of plants and seeds, plant soil, chemicals, fertilizers, lab equipment, plant diseases, and pests

Salary, Size & Growth

• $59,000 average per year ($28.25 per hour)
• A small occupation (12,100 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in agriculture
• Employers Prefer: A Ph.D. degree in plant science
• Skills/Courses: College courses include computer science, math, physics, chemistry, plant pathology, soil chemistry, entomology, plant physiology, and biochemistry.
• Certification/Licensing: Certifications are available.