Agricultural Scientist Salary
by City (2026)
Research crops, soil, livestock, and food systems to improve yield, sustainability, and safety β spanning agronomy, food science, and animal science. National median: $72K/year. See how your city compares.
Agricultural Scientist salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $72K Agricultural Scientist salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βAgricultural Scientist Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Agricultural Scientist is $72,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $52,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $95,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Agricultural Scientists nationally earn $122,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's or Master's in Agricultural Science. This role is 25% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Agricultural Scientist compensation is growing at 4% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Agricultural Scientist salary FAQ
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make?
The median Agricultural Scientist salary in the US is $72,000 per year β about $35/hour. Most earn between $52,000 (25th percentile) and $95,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Agricultural Scientist?
Entry-level Agricultural Scientist positions typically start around $52,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Agricultural Scientists earn?
The top 10% of Agricultural Scientists earn $122,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Agricultural Scientists the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Agricultural Scientist salary at $104K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Agricultural Scientist salaries going up?
Yes β Agricultural Scientist pay is growing about 4% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.