Jobs / Science and research / 19-4012.00
Agricultural Technicians
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.
- US jobs
- 15,130
- Median wage
- $49,630 a year
- Job family
- Science and research
Can agents do the work of agricultural technicians?
We read the evidence for the whole job family, Science and research: Some tasks (no change in 12 months)
Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.
Evidence: CORE-Bench, declared solved.
0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.
- 17%Analyze environmental or geospatial dataNot measured
- 7%Maintain operational recordsNot measured
- 7%Perform agricultural activitiesNot measured
- 6%Research agricultural processes or practicesNot measured
- 6%Collect environmental or biological samplesNot measured
- 5%Create visual designs or displaysNot measured
- 4%Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipmentNot measured
- 4%Advise others on the design or use of technologiesNot measured
Benchmarks for the job family
These cover work in science and research, not always this occupation's tasks.
Direct evidence
Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.
- 95.5%Claude Code + Claude Opus 4.5 (after manual regrading) · 3 Dec 2025Solved
Also relevant
These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.
- 64.8%Claude Code + Opus 5.5 (max) · 6 Oct 2026Strong
Typical tasks
From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.
- 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.
- Maintain or repair agricultural facilities, equipment, or tools to ensure operational readiness, safety, and cleanliness.
- Perform crop production duties, such as tilling, hoeing, pruning, weeding, or harvesting crops.
- Collect animal or crop samples.
- Examine animals or crop specimens to determine the presence of diseases or other problems.
- Set up laboratory or field equipment as required for site testing.
- Supervise or train agricultural technicians or farm laborers.
- Conduct studies of nitrogen or alternative fertilizer application methods, quantities, or timing to ensure satisfaction of crop needs and minimization of leaching, runoff, or denitrification.
- Prepare laboratory samples for analysis, following proper protocols to ensure that they will be stored, prepared, and disposed of efficiently and effectively.
- Measure or weigh ingredients used in laboratory testing.
Other job titles for this occupation (54)
Agricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech) · Agricultural Research Technologist · Agricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech) · Agriculture Assistant · Agronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech) · Field Assistant · Insect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech) · Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician) · Seed Analyst · Acidity Tester · Agricultural Assistant · Agricultural Equipment Technician · Agricultural Service Technician · Agricultural Specialist · Agriculture Field Technician (Agriculture Field Tech) · Agriculture Research Lab Assistant (Agriculture Research Laboratory Assistant) · Agriculture Technician (Agriculture Tech) · Agronomy Technician (Agronomy Tech) · Artificial Breeding Technician (Artificial Breeding Tech) · Biological Aide · Biotechnician · Blood Tester · Cattle Tester · Chemical Applicator · Cotton Program Technician (Cotton Program Tech) · County Extension Agent · Cow Tester · Culture Media Laboratory Assistant (Culture Media Lab Assistant) · Dairy Laboratory Technician (Dairy Lab Tech) · Dairy Technician (Dairy Tech) · Dairy Technologist · Extension Associate · Feed Mill Laboratory Technician (Feed Mill Lab Tech) · Feed Research Aide · Fertilizer Applicator · Field Service Poultry Technician (Field Service Poultry Tech) · Fowl Blood Tester · Horticultural Technician (Horticultural Tech) · Horticulture Technician (Horticulture Tech) · Insect Control Aide · Moisture Tester · Permaculture Contractor · Plant Control Aide · Seed Analysis Lab Assistant (Seed Analysis Laboratory Assistant) · Seed Expert · Seed Lab Assistant (Seed Laboratory Assistant) · Seed Lab Tech (Seed Laboratory Technician) · Seed Specialist · Seed Technician (Seed Tech) · Seed Tester · Sugarcane Research Technician (Sugarcane Research Tech) · Sustainable Agriculture Specialist (Sustainable Ag Specialist) · Urban Gardening Specialist · Weed Science Research Technician (Weed Science Research Tech)