Soil Scientists

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median earnings in May 2019 for soil and plant scientists were $63,200. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $38,410 and the highest paid 10 percent made more than $111,480. Mean salaries for soil scientists at federal agencies were higher; in May 2019, they made an average of $86,870 a year. Government earnings depend in large part on levels of experience and education. Other than short-term research projects, most jobs offer health and retirement benefits in addition to the annual salary.