Agriculture graduates earn $53,676 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,047 and $70,551. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Agriculture is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $53,676 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 188 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 3,256 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$39,291
Median Earnings · 4yr
$53,676
Colleges Offering
188
Graduates / Year
3,256
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,511
How Much Do Agriculture Graduates Earn?
Agriculture graduates earn $53,676 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,047 and $70,551. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $39,291 climbs to $53,676 by year four.
$39,291
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$53,676
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$52,804
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Agriculture graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$39,04725th pct.
$53,676Median
$70,55175th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $53,676 and an estimated $62,044 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.6 years.
Based on outcomes from 92 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 3,256 students who complete Agriculture programs each year, the majority (59%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
26%59%
Bachelor's59%
Associate's26%
Master's12%
What Can You Do With an Agriculture Degree?
Agriculture connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Agricultural Sciences Teachers leads at $98,700/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.
Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
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.
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.
Top Colleges for Agriculture
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Agriculture students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Agriculture program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Agriculture shows 3 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $39,291 at graduation to $53,676 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlookRelated careers project up to +6.5% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Flexible credential pathsPrograms are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $53,676 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($39,047) and 75th ($70,551) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
Agriculture Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Agriculture graduates earn?
Agriculture graduates earn a national median of $53,676 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,047 and $70,551. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Agriculture degree?
One year after graduation, Agriculture degree holders earn a median of $39,291. That climbs to $53,676 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Agriculture degree?
Agriculture degree holders pursue careers including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, which pays a median of $98,700/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Agriculture program take?
A Agriculture bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Agriculture?
188 colleges and universities in the United States offer Agriculture programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Agriculture degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $53,676 and an average net price of roughly $15,511/yr, a Agriculture degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What skills do employers look for in Agriculture graduates?
Employers hiring Agriculture graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Agriculture graduates?
The job outlook for Agriculture graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Food Scientists and Technologists is among the strongest-growth roles at +6.5%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Agriculture Programs
Other programs in Agriculture. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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