Pathway: Science
Job: Agricultural/Food Scientist

Job Description

Agricultural and Food Scientists solve problems related to production of the food supply. They develop ways to improve the quantity and quality of the product. There are many specialties in this field including food, plant, soil and animal scientists.

Necessary Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Helpful High School Courses

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Mathematics, English, Computer Applications

Working Conditions

• Working conditions depend on specialty area
• May work in test kitchens and/or laboratories (food scientist)
• May work in dairies, feedlots or outdoors doing research with livestock (animal scientist)
• May work outdoors conducting research on farms or agricultural research stations (soil and crop scientist)
• May spend time outdoors studying or collecting insects (entomologist)

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $51,320
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $24.67

• Advanced degree enhances ability to enter this field
• Bachelor’s Degree is useful for managerial jobs in businesses that work with farmers or ranchers
• Advanced degrees lead to research and/or teaching positions

Personal Qualities and Interests

      You:

• Are able to work independently or as part of a team
• Write and speak clearly and concisely
• Have a basic understanding of business principles
• Have interest in science and agriculture
• Want to assure our world’s food supply through agricultural productivity

Did you know?

• About 40% of salaried agricultural positions are held by food scientists who work for federal, state or local governments.

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco

  
  

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