Listening skills. Agricultural and food science technicians must follow instructions given to them by food scientists and agricultural engineers.
Speaking skills. Agricultural and food science technicians must give clear instructions to field and laboratory workers, who typically perform the tasks necessary for food quality testing.
Pay
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
Median annual wages, May 2010
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians
$40,690
Total, All Occupations
$33,840
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
$32,760
All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
The median annual wage of agricultural and food science technicians was $32,760 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,730, and the top 10 percent earned more than $52,600.
Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest number of agricultural and food science technicians in May 2010 were as follows:
Colleges, universities, and professional schools;
state, local, and private $35,020
Dairy product manufacturing 33,930
Scientific research and development services 33,220
Support activities for agriculture and forestry 29,190
Animal slaughtering and processing 26,500
Job Outlook
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20
Total, All Occupations
14%
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians
11%
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
7%
All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Employment of agricultural and food technicians is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Increased awareness and enforcement of food safety regulations will increase inspection requirements and, therefore, demand for agricultural and food science technicians.
Most growth over the next 10 years is expected to be in federal food inspection jobs. Jobs in private industry will also grow, but at a more modest rate.
Employment projections data for agricultural and food science technicians, 2010-20
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2010 Projected Employment, 2020 Change, 2010-20 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
19-4011 21,300 22,800 7 1,500
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of agricultural and food science technicians.
OCCUPATION JOB DUTIES ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION MEDIAN ANNUAL PAY, MAY 2010
Agricultural and Food Scientists
Agricultural and food scientists work to ensure agricultural productivity and food safety.
See How to Become One $58,450
Biological Technicians
Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
Bachelor’s degree $39,020
Chemical Technicians
Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers in researching, developing, and producing chemical products and processes.
Associate’s degree $42,040
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
High school diploma or equivalent $60,750
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Occupational health and safety technicians collect data on the safety and health conditions of the workplace. Technicians work with occupational health and safety specialists in conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public.
High school diploma or equivalent $45,330
Contacts for More Information
For more information about agricultural and soil science occupations, including certification, visit
Soil Science Society of America
For more information about food and animal science occupations, including certifications, visit
American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists
This chapter provides clear insight in the current state of Cotton program technicians jobs - the next chapter covers how to find and apply for Cotton program technicians jobs.
FINDING AND APPLYING FOR Cotton program technicians JOBS AND EVALUATING OFFERS
Finding—and getting—a job you want can be a challenging process, but knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can increase your chances of success. And knowing how to judge the job offers you receive makes it more likely that you will end up with the best possible job.
Where to learn About Job Openings
Job Search Methods
Applying for a Job
Job Interview Tips
Evaluating a Job Offer
Where to Learn About Job Openings
Personal contacts
School career planning and placement offices
Employers
Classified ads:
National and local newspapers
Professional journals
Trade magazines
Internet resources
Professional associations
Labor unions
State employment service offices
Federal Government
Community agencies
Private employment agencies and career consultants
Internships
Job Search Methods
Finding a job can take months of time and effort. But you can speed the process by using many methods to find job openings. Data from the Bureau of Labor