Agronomists study the ways plants can be cultivated, altered, and utilized. Agronomists can specialize in a number of different fields, but most focus on increasing the quality and quantity of plants produced - particularly for food. Typically, an agronomist will spend their workdays performing experiments on plants to improve their durability, longevity, and crop yield. Agronomists with advanced degrees are often found in universities and industry in research, teaching, and extension positions, developing, breeding, and evaluating new varieties of agronomic crops.
TRAINING/EDUCATION NEEDED
The minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree. A Certified Crop Advisor certification is not necessary, but recommended. However, research and higher level positions typically require a Masters degree or Ph.D. depending on the job. Those with advanced degrees often teach courses in agronomy in addition to their research projects.
WHERE TO STUDY
For 2- and 4-year college and university programs across the country, visit our Where to Study page.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
In August 2020, the median yearly salary for an agronomist was $51,626, according to PayScale.com. For more information, visit Study.com's Agronomist Profile.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS
- American Society of Agronomy
- Crop Science Society of America
- American Society of Plant Biologists
- American Society for Horticultural Science
VIDEOS AND TESTIMONIALS
Watch as University of Wisconsin-Madison students Adam Gaspar and Marian prepare for a career in agronomy.