Agriculture associate degree jobs are plentiful in agribusiness, food production, food science, and also farming and ranching. It is no secret that every person needs to eat to live, which makes a career in agriculture a significant one for students to choose to pursue. In addition, the entire world depends on agriculture to produce food that is nutritious and delicious.
Agricultural and food science technicians usually need to have an associate degree in agriculture, biology, crop science, chemistry, animal science, or some other related field. Some positions may even require job candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in an area of study related to agriculture. In contrast, others may only require related work experience or a high school diploma.
Why Agriculture as a Career?
There are many agricultural careers to choose from, such as owning your farm, owning or working for an agribusiness, food production, and so much more, since the choices are endless. The agricultural industry offers a very diverse range of career opportunities for various types of employers. From farm equipment operators to agricultural information technology or food safety and marketing, tons of positions are available throughout the agriculture industry.
With a degree in agriculture, you can work anywhere globally. Moreover, your career choices do not have to be limited to rural areas since manufacturers and agribusinesses can be located anywhere, including in big cities.
Many of the career choices in the field of agriculture are very strong and long-term since, once again, people will have to eat to be able to survive.
What Jobs Can You Get in Agriculture?
Jobs in agriculture require an array of very diverse skill sets. From agricultural administrative and engineering jobs that encompass mechanical, environmental, and structural engineering to labor jobs in sales and marketing, there are many different types of jobs in agriculture. Graduates with a degree in agriculture can opt to own their farm or agribusiness or further their education to become a scientist in the agricultural field.
Some agricultural jobs to choose from include farmworker, grower, agricultural equipment technician, purchasing agent, agriculture specialist, sales representative, or crop manager.
Agricultural Workers
Agricultural workers take care of crops and livestock. Median annual wages for agricultural workers from the BLS are as follows:
| Animal breeders | $47,540 |
| Agricultural workers, all other | $40,620 |
| Agricultural equipment operators | $39,690 |
| Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals | $35,120 |
| Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse | $34,470 |
Salary Range: $29.640 to $46,820
Farmers and Ranchers
Ranchers and farmers are in charge of operating facilities that produce animal and plant products for consumption.
Salary Range: $47,800 to $136,410
Agricultural and Food Scientist Technician
These technicians help find ways to increase the efficiency and safety of agricultural farms and products. Median annual wages for Agricultural and Food Scientist Technicians from the BLS are as follows:
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | $48,290 |
| Wholesale trade | $46,100 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | $40,520 |
What Agricultural Industries Employ Individuals With an Associate Degree?
As of 2020, there were 19.7 million full and part-time agricultural jobs available in the food industry. Agriculture makes up over 10 percent of the total employment in the United States. Farmworkers conduct about 2.6 million farming jobs, while careers in agriculture and food-related industries make up 17.1 million. This includes the foodservice industry. A graduate with an associate degree in agriculture will have ample career paths to choose from when deciding their future employment.
As of May 2020, the BLS reports Farmers, Ranchers, and other agricultural workers held about 888,000 jobs. The largest sectors of employment are in the table below.
| Agriculture Industry Sector | % of Employment |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 67.2% |
| Crop production | 18.7% |
| Animal production and aquaculture | 12.1% |
| Support activities for agriculture and forestry | 1.4% |
| Other | 0.6% |
How Much Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Agricultural Science?
The pay range for a career in agriculture is between $40,000 per year and $100,000 per year or more, depending on which career path you choose. For example, a farmworker will make about $32,000 while a crop grower’s pay will average about $52,000 per year. Sales representatives and marketing specialists in the agricultural science field garner about $60,000 per year in income. Food and agricultural scientists and technicians can earn at least $70,000 per year and much more.
Graduates with an associate degree in agriculture science can also opt to own their farming operation, which will allow them to have more control over their income. In addition, the field of agriculture is a fast-growing and sustainable field that is set to grow by about eight percent each year over the next decade, making this field an excellent choice for those interested in agriculture and food production.
What Is The Job Outlook With A Degree In Agriculture?
As of 2020, there were 19.7 million full and part-time agricultural jobs available in the food industry. Agriculture makes up over 10 percent of the total employment in the United States. About 2.6 million agrarian jobs are conducted by farmworkers, while employment in agriculture and food-related industries makes up 17.1 million. This includes the foodservice industry. A graduate with a degree in agriculture will have ample career paths to choose from when deciding their future employment.
What is the job outlook in agriculture? If you wonder if it is a promising career for the future, the answer is yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of farmers is not increasing much at all from 2020 to 2030. However, to fill the positions of those retiring or going to other jobs, there will be around 84,000 job openings every year in the US.
The trend for increasing efficiency and large production has led to a decline in the number of farms. Larger commercial farms can produce ample food with fewer people. However, jobs have emerged in all the areas where efficiency is implemented. Food scientists, soil science, equipment engineers, and even money lending for farming employs workers.
Advancing Your Career in Agriculture
Agriculture careers are professional career paths in farming and the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables, along with the production of meat from animal husbandry. Agricultural careers are meaningful and plentiful, from growing crops and utilizing the proper soil to raising livestock like cattle, pigs, and poultry.
Graduates with a degree in agriculture can choose to work on a farm, within the field of agricultural information technology, at a manufacturing plant, or through marketing and selling the products produced on farms throughout the world.
Once you have an associate degree, you can enroll in an agriculture or agribusiness bachelor’s degree program. Many of these degrees allow you to use the credits you have already earned. Most students take only two additional years to finish the bachelor’s degree with this applied credit advanced standing. Additionally, experience in the sector can qualify individuals for a manager role or a supervisor.
Your Career In Agriculture
A career in agriculture can be a rewarding one. So, if you are interested in this versatile sector, check out one of the Top 10 Online Agriculture Associate Degrees.
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