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Job outlook for field sampling technicians in the United States
Are field sampling technician jobs in demand?
Field sampling technician job and salary trends over time
Field sampling technician jobs over time
Field sampling technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 102 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 102 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 104 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 97 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 98 | 0.00% |
Average field sampling technician salary over time
Field sampling technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,687 | $19.08 | +0.4% |
| 2024 | $39,515 | $19.00 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $38,294 | $18.41 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $37,730 | $18.14 | +2.9% |
| 2021 | $36,652 | $17.62 | +2.7% |
Field sampling technician jobs by state
Most common states for field sampling technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 300 | 22% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 161 | 21% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 130 | 21% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 141 | 20% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 137 | 19% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 235 | 18% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,183 | 17% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 935 | 17% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 180 | 17% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 96 | 17% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 151 | 16% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 850 | 15% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 459 | 15% |
| 14 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,336 | 13% |
| 15 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 788 | 13% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 774 | 13% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 537 | 13% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 469 | 13% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 245 | 13% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 252 | 12% |
Most common cities for field sampling technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holland | 4 | 12% | $38,047 |
| 2 | Redding | 1 | 1% | $48,884 |
| 3 | Milwaukee | 1 | 0% | $38,663 |
| 4 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $42,759 |
| 5 | Reno | 1 | 0% | $44,923 |
Field Sampling Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of field sampling technician experts
Gonzaga University
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Kennesaw State University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
North Carolina State University
The Wildlife Society
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair
Professor/ChairGonzaga University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What will help Field Sampling Technicians increase their earning potential?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: We find that graphical information systems (GIS) skills are in high demand. Soft skills such as ability to work as a team, develop work plans, collaborate and communicate with diverse stakeholders, communicate technical and scientific information, are, and will be very important in the near and long term future.
Abe Woodard
Ph.D. Candidate - Wildlife Science, Research Scientis, East FoundationTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
What hard/technical skills are most important for Field Sampling Technicians?
Abe Woodard: Analytical skills and keeping up with technology are mandatory. Our job revolves around collecting and analyzing data regarding wildlife and their habitats; having the technical skills and ability to analyze this data is a must.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What Field Sampling Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: I think the best advice I can offer recent graduates is to be as flexible as possible. Being willing to relocate, for example, vastly expands the number of potential jobs they can apply to. Applying for positions that might not be exactly where they want to go, but might give them the experience or skills they need to get to their desired career after a year or two also will help open more doors. So if you can't find your ideal job right away, consider that internship or volunteer opportunity that will make you more marketable in the future.
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyWest Virginia Wesleyan College
Department of Biology and Environmental Science
What hard/technical skills are most important for Field Sampling Technicians?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Data collection, management, and analysis skills. Specifically, knowing how to design experiments, collect different kinds of data, creating or maintaining a database for samples, and analyzing changes over time or the impact of those data.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Sampling Technician job market given the pandemic?
Joshua Raabe Ph.D.: I foresee an increase in the fisheries job market over the next few years due to the pandemics. Millions of people went fishing, many for the first time, because it was a great opportunity to get outdoors in a safe manner and now are hooked. Agencies will be able to hire more employees as budgets are directly influenced by license and tackle sales. Agencies are currently hiring employees that they could not went the pandemic started, as field sampling and data analysis needs to occur to inform management decisions.
What technical skills for a Field Sampling Technician stand out to employers?
Joshua Raabe Ph.D.: Many graduates' first position is a field technician, so being able to handle and identify fish, trailer and operate boats, and use a variety of sampling equipment are essential skills. Management and research requires data analysis, so statistics, computer programming, and GIS are valuable skills. Finally, writing and communication skills are absolutely necessary to communicate science to the public and each other.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Sampling Technician job market given the pandemic?
Lara Pacifici Ph.D.: Strong communication skills, whether remote or in-person, are more important than ever. The ability to lead video conferences used to be an added bonus, but now it is a necessity. In the future, internships and volunteering for research projects will be more important. Additionally, membership and involvement in professional societies and student clubs will demonstrate a holistic commitment.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Field Sampling Technicians?
Jamila Blake: Impacts of the coronavirus will definitely be seen in the lack of opportunities for in-person interactions, training, and work opportunities, but it is certainly not all bad. While students may have been hoping to gain some field experience, remote or modified positions have been developed, and a number of online learning opportunities have been enhanced to continue students' skill-building. Many organizations have been able to adapt to virtual workplaces, events, and professional development offerings - such as conferences, workshops, mentorship connections, and networking events. This year of adjusting and learning will likely enable the wildlife field to be more flexible with remote working options.