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Job outlook for agronomists in the United States
Agronomist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected agronomist job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 3,000 new jobs for agronomists are projected over the next decade.
Agronomist salaries have increased 6% for agronomists in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,018 agronomists currently employed in the United States.
There are 208 active agronomist job openings in the US.
The average agronomist salary is $51,288.
Are agronomist jobs in demand?
Agronomist job and salary trends over time
Agronomist jobs over time
Agronomist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,018 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,590 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,642 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,863 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,650 | 0.00% |
Average agronomist salary over time
Agronomist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $51,288 | $24.66 | +4.6% |
| 2025 | $49,023 | $23.57 | --1.2% |
| 2024 | $49,605 | $23.85 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $48,426 | $23.28 | +0.2% |
| 2022 | $48,325 | $23.23 | +3.7% |
Agronomist jobs by state
Most common states for agronomists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 18 | 1% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 5 | 1% |
| 3 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 6 | 0% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 5 | 0% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2 | 0% |
| 6 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1 | 0% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1 | 0% |
| 8 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1 | 0% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 0 | 0% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 0 | 0% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 0 | 0% |
| 13 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 0 | 0% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 0 | 0% |
Most common cities for agronomists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aberdeen | 1 | 4% | $51,213 |
| 2 | Dalton | 1 | 3% | $36,344 |
| 3 | Evans | 1 | 3% | $36,417 |
| 4 | Kennewick | 2 | 2% | $49,206 |
| 5 | Clovis | 1 | 1% | $59,963 |
| 6 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $46,332 |
Agronomist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of agronomist experts
Tennessee Tech University
Washington State University
What skills stand out on Agronomist resumes?
Dennis Duncan: -Excellent written/visual/and verbal communication skills.
- Must be able to present findings/trends/issues/problems/solutions to both the scientific community and laymen. Concise reports are necessary for upper management to make decisions. Need to show colleagues/producers results and explain them simply.
-Critical thinking, problem-solving, and integrative thinking
-Work autonomously and as a team member
-Detail-oriented
What soft skills should all Agronomists possess?
Dennis Duncan: -Integrity in the workplace
-Proper use of social media
-Communication
-Teamwork
-Effectively handling stress in the workplace
-Leadership
What hard/technical skills are most important for Agronomists?
Dennis Duncan: -Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PPT, Word)
-Ensure accurate data collection and conduct statistical analysis
-Experience with precision ag technologies (i.e., UAVs, sensors, variable-rate fertilizer applicators, GPS guided equipment, etc.)
MATH!!
What skills will help Agronomists earn the most?
Dennis Duncan: -Internship(s) during tenure in college
-International experience (study abroad, International research project, community service abroad, etc.)
-Proficient in using the latest technology
John Reganold
ProfessorWashington State University
Department of Soil Science & Agroecology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Agronomist job market given the pandemic?
John Reganold: Remote work is now en vogue so that more hours (not all) will be spent remotely from home. That being said, people in my fields of Soil Science and Organic & Sustainable Agriculture will spend significant time in the field. (See answer to #3 below).
What soft skills should all Agronomists possess?
John Reganold: Important soft skills, which benefit graduates applying for jobs and in the workplace when they have a job, are listening, oral and written communication, interpersonal (people) skills, and time management.
What's a day at work look like for an Agronomist?
John Reganold: In my fields of Soil Science and Organic & Sustainable Agriculture, which can have both an outdoor (field-based) and office component, probably a week might look like 4 x 10-hour days, with at least one to two days being outdoors with farmers, foresters, city planners, and others.