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Avg. salary range
$87k–$111k
across regions
Hours / Day
8
Days / Week
5
working days
About this career
A soil and plant scientist studies how soil, plants, and the environment work together. They research ways to grow healthy crops, improve soil quality, and protect natural resources. These scientists may test soil to see what nutrients it has, study how plants respond to different conditions, and find ways to prevent problems like erosion or plant diseases. Their work helps farmers grow food more efficiently and helps protect the environment. Soil and plant scientists often work outdoors collecting samples, as well as in laboratories analyzing data and running experiments. They may work for farms, government agencies, environmental organizations, or research universities. This career is a great fit for students who enjoy science, nature, and solving real-world problems related to food production and the environment.
Career Level
What you'll need
Hover or tap a skill to learn more.
Attention To Detail
Do you often notice things that other people miss? Are you able to complete a project with few or no mistakes?
Communication
Are you able to write or vocalize your thoughts efficiently? Can you retain information that you hear or read?
Math
Do you have a good sense of numbers? Are you easily able to recognize patterns? Can you easily do basic calculations?
Problem Solving
Do you enjoy solving puzzles? Are you able to easily identify the cause of a problem?
Research
Are you able to easily collect information? Do you quickly identify higher priority information?
Where do we get our data?
Our career data is based on regional averages provided by the Spokane Workforce Council. Data is subject to change based on location, job specialty, experience level, and/or union association.
Education & Training
Master's Degree
A master's degree is the first level of graduate study. To apply for a master degree you usually must already hold an undergraduate degree (a bachelor's degree). Master's degrees usually take between two and three years to complete beyond undergraduate study.
Compensation
Spokane
Washington
Low
$71,200
Average
$88,000
High
$101,700
Washington minimum wage
Salary data reflects regional averages and may vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Work Schedule
Shift cycle
5 on · 2 off per cycle
Typical shifts are 8 to 10 hours long depending on work location for the day. Shifts are usually 5 days a week, Monday through Friday
How does it compare?
Average Salary
$95,200
Overall Rank
51st
out of 199 careers
In Agriculture & Natural Resources
3rd
out of 17 careers
Salary distribution
Rankings are based on average salary data across all careers in our database. Individual earnings may vary.
