Agricultural and food scientist essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $58,070
- 2010 number of jobs: 33,500
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 10 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Agricultural and food scientists; what they do:
The safety of the fresh farm-grown food people eat rests largely with those who work as agricultural and food scientists. The work of agricultural and food scientists also helps ensure there’s enough food to feed the nation’s ever-growing population.
Those who choose an agricultural scientist career or a food scientist career may also work in product development and research. Through basic research, they seek to understand the biological and chemical processes by which crops and livestock grow. Through applying research, a food scientist or agricultural scientist discover ways to improve the quality, quantity and safety of what we eat.
Agricultural and food scientists duties:
- Conferring with process engineers, plant operators, flavor experts and packing and marking specialists to resolve problems in product development
- Developing food standards and production specifications
- Developing safety and sanitary regulations and waste management and water supply specifications
- Checking raw ingredients for processing and finished products for safety, quality and nutritional value
- Developing new food items for production, based on consumer feedback
- Studying methods to improve foods’ chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value and convenience
- Testing new products
- Demonstrating products to clients
Receive Free Info about a Matching
Online Degree for this Career
Agricultural and food scientists job titles:
- Animal scientist
- Soil and plant scientist
- Quality assurance manager
- Product development manager
- Research and development director
- Research and development manager
- Research scientist
- Food science professor
- Product development scientist
Agricultural and Food Scientists Education, Certification and License Requirements
People need at least a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, biology, chemistry or physics to begin an agricultural science career or a food scientist career. Botany, chemistry and plant conservation degrees provide good preparation for soil and plant science work.
Organizations such as the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists certify agricultural scientists and food scientists recognized for expertise in this field. While not required, the agriculture and food science industry recognizes the value of certification. Some states do require licensing for soil scientists.
Agricultural and food scientists programs cover subjects such as:
- Soil chemistry
- Entomology
- Plant physiology
- Biochemistry
- Plant pathology
- Chemistry
- Botany
- Plant conservation
- Biology
Begin a Rewarding Career
Learn about an Online B.S. Nutrition Science Degree
Career Advancement Opportunities
Agricultural and food scientists who earn a doctoral degree may go into research, working in genetics, animal production and biotechnology. Others earn a veterinary medicine degree.
Agricultural and Food Scientists Job Outlook
Forecast: 10 percent employment growth in jobs for agricultural and food scientists from 2010 to 2020. A moderate increase in demand for agricultural and food science technologists seems likely due to ongoing animal science research and increased reliance on food safety through biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Agricultural and Food Scientists Salary
- 2010 median annual wage: $58,070
- 2012, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $79,100
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $43,170
Begin Your Online Education for an Ag & Food Scientist Career
Agricultural and Food Scientists Major Employers
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Scientific research and development services
- Food manufacturing companies
- Grain and oilseed milling
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
Related Degrees
Learn about an Online
B.S. Nutrition Degree
Learn about an Online
Master of Public Health – Nutrition Degree
