Agricultural and Food Scientists Earnings

Median annual earnings of food scientists and technologists were $53,810 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,740 and $76,960. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,620, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,350. Median annual earnings of soil and plant scientists were $56,080 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,410 and $72,020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $93,460. In May 2006, median annual earnings of animal scientists were $47,800.

The average Federal salary in 2007 was $91,491 in animal science and $79,051 in agronomy.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2007 for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences averaged $35,035 a year; plant sciences, $31,291 a year; and in other agricultural sciences, $37,908 a year.