Soil and plant scientists
SOC Code: 19-1013
Soil and plant scientists carries a 23% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $71,410 and +5.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 23% AI exposure, Soil and plant scientists sits 14 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 11% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Soil and plant scientists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Soil and plant scientists has ai exposure of 23%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Soil and plant scientists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Soil and plant scientists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Soil and plant scientists (SOC 19-1013) carries an AI exposure score of 23%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 20,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $71,410, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Soil and plant scientists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- 2. Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- 3. Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
- 4. Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
- 5. Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- 6. Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- 7. Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
- 8. Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- 9. Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
- 10. Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Biology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Geography
- Communications and Media
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Soil and plant scientists?
Soil and plant scientists has an AI exposure score of 23%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Soil and plant scientists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Soil and plant scientists is projected to grow by 5.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Soil and plant scientists?
Key skills for Soil and plant scientists include Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Science, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Soil and plant scientists earn?
The median annual wage for Soil and plant scientists is $71,410, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Soil and plant scientists?
The typical entry-level education for Soil and plant scientists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Soil and plant scientists?
Soil and plant scientists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).