How much does an Agronomist make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Agronomist in the United States is $67,342 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, an Agronomist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,334
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,678 to $73,619
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,790

Key Factors That Influence Agronomist Salaries

An Agronomist'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.

How Experience Level Affects Agronomist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Agronomist'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $64,497
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $64,756
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $67,810
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $70,434
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,621
Levels Salary
Entry Level Agronomist$64,497
Intermediate Level Agronomist$64,756
Senior Level Agronomist$67,810
Specialist Level Agronomist$70,434
Expert Level Agronomist$70,621

Top Paying Cities for Agronomist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $84,938
  • San Francisco: $84,008
  • Oakland: $82,238

Agronomist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Agronomist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $75,355. While startup companies pay approximate $63,852.

Agronomist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $63,852
Growth Stage 51~500 $67,505
Established 501~5000 $72,799
Enterprise 5000+ $75,355

Agronomist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Agronomist 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, Agronomist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Agronomist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Agronomist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$94,279$45.040%
Chemicals$80,810$39.020%
Energy & Utilities$74,076$36.010%
MFG Nondurable$74,076$36.010%

Agronomist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Agronomist'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 August 01, 2026
$58,678
Average $67,342/year
$73,619
$4,890
Average $5,612/month
$6,135
$1,128
Average $1,295/week
$1,416
$28
Average $32/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,619 $6,135 $1,416 $35
Average $67,342 $5,612 $1,295 $32
25th Percentile $58,678 $4,890 $1,128 $28

Agronomist Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Agronomist, 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.

Agronomist Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Biologist III $83,428 24%
Geologist III $85,576 27%
Geophysicist III $141,464 110%
Hydrologist III $112,995 68%

Most common benefits for Agronomist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Agronomist

Here are companies hiring for Agronomist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Agronomist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Agronomist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Agronomist

1. Where can an Agronomist earn the most?

An Agronomist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Agronomist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Agronomist is $84,938.

2. What is the highest pay for Agronomist?

The highest pay for Agronomist is $79,334.

3. What is the lowest pay for Agronomist?

The lowest pay for Agronomist is $50,790.

4. What are the responsibilities of Agronomist?

Maximizes crop production by optimizing planting, harvesting, and general cultivation techniques. Troubleshoots crop deficiencies and implements strategies to improve pest, nutrition, and water management to enhance plant and soil health. Gathers data and keeps detailed records on crop and soil conditions to prepare technical reports and monitor and track the progress of treatments. Conducts experiments to develop and test crop, pest, and soil management treatments. Researches current literature to understand and promote new agriculture strategies. Requires a bachelor's degree in agricultural studies. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Agronomist?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Agronomist roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst