As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Crop Scientist in the United States is $67,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Crop Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Crop Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Crop Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Crop Scientist | $64,543 |
| Intermediate Level Crop Scientist | $64,803 |
| Senior Level Crop Scientist | $67,870 |
| Specialist Level Crop Scientist | $70,503 |
| Expert Level Crop Scientist | $70,691 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Crop Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Crop Scientist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $75,349. While startup companies pay approximate $63,825.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $63,825 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $67,480 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $72,793 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $75,349 |
For Crop Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Chemicals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Crop Scientist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Crop Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $94,360 | $45.0 | 40% |
| Chemicals | $80,880 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $74,140 | $36.0 | 10% |
| MFG Nondurable | $74,140 | $36.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Crop Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Crop Scientist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Biologist | $83,500 | 24% |
| Mine Geologist III | $85,600 | 27% |
| Senior Geophysicist | $141,500 | 110% |
| Hydrogeologist | $113,000 | 68% |
Salaries for a Crop Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,873 in 2023 to around $64,551 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Crop Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $64,873 |
| 2024 | $64,758 |
| 2025 | $64,551 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Crop Scientist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The salary for a Crop Scientist ranges from a minimum of $51,500 to a maximum of $75,700, with an average salary of $60,600. This indicates that the highest salary for a Crop Scientist can reach up to $75,700 per annum.
Plant scientists can earn a competitive salary, with the average range between $51,500 and $75,700. The midpoint salary is approximately $60,600, indicating that many professionals in this field make a decent living. While some may earn more, the provided data reflects a solid income for those in the profession.
To become a soil scientist, a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Soils or a related field is required. The salary for a Crop Scientist typically ranges from $51,500 to $75,700, with a median salary of $60,600. This educational background is essential for pursuing a career in this field and achieving competitive compensation.
To become a Plant Engineer, a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or electrical engineering is typically required. Entry-level positions offer salaries starting around $51,500, with mid-career earnings around $60,600, and experienced professionals can earn up to $75,700. Gaining about two years of on-the-job experience is essential for career advancement.
While farmers' salaries vary by state, Crop Scientists earn between $51,500 and $75,700 annually, with a median salary of $60,600. This suggests that specialized roles in agriculture, like Crop Scientists, can offer higher compensation compared to general farming positions, which often average around $43,000 in states like California and Minnesota.
Crop scientists in the US typically earn between $51,500 and $75,700 annually. The average salary is around $60,600. While some positions may offer higher salaries, the majority fall within this range, reflecting the demand and expertise required in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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