by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you're looking for a career that lets you out of the typical office setting, think about majoring in Soil Sciences.
Soil science is the analysis of soil properties and their relation to agricultural crops. Some classes in Soil Sciences include soil chemistry and fertility, mineralogy, hydrology, agronomy, and soil conservation and management. These classes will show the relationship between crop production and water and air quality, landscape design, and waste management.
If you choose to major in Soil Sciences, you may choose to focus on a specific concentration. Possible areas of study within Soil Sciences include Soil Science and Agronomy, Soil Chemistry and Physics, and Soil Microbiology.
Studying Soil Sciences explores Soil Sciences. Read on to learn the essential details every soil sciences major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering soil sciences programs.
Across the country, soil sciences draws strong interest, with 436 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Soil Sciences Schools ranking analyzes these 33 schools to determine the best overall colleges for soil sciences students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of soil sciences programs later in this article.
Coursework for Soil Sciences build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations soil sciences graduates commonly enter.
As a soil scientist, you have the ability to perform many different tasks. You may choose to advise farmers on the best soil for their crops and how to conserve it, analyze the mineral content of different soils, or work with industries to improve crop quality. No matter what path you choose to follow, there are some skills that make soil scientists successful. A strong background and enjoyment of science will be beneficial, as many classes focus on ecology, microbiology, chemistry, and physics. Soil Scientists must also have strong critical thinking and analysis skills, as they interpret data and make decisions about what soils and crops work best together.
Soil scientists are frequently found outside the office and in the field, analyzing and observing the soil or performing tests and experiments within a research lab. This is a great career choice for anyone who does not like the sound of a typical desk job.
Internships and previous experience are not mandatory, but are highly suggested for anyone interested in becoming a soil scientist. Summer jobs and internships will provide working experience and expose you to current techniques used within the field.
The skill set developed in a soil sciences program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a soil sciences major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several soil sciences degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 5 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 3 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 202 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 176 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 48 |
People currently working in careers related to soil sciences tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 34.3% |
| Master’s degree | 17.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 15.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 15.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.8% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| Some college courses | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in soil sciences careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
There are many opportunities available for those who graduate with a degree in Soil Sciences. Some possible careers include management positions at farms and ranches, at soil and water conservation agencies, and at companies that specialize in land-use planning. You also have the option to work with landscapers and gardeners.
A degree in soil sciences prepares you for many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to soil sciences.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to soil sciences.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 297,433 | 4.5% |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | 172,528 | 3.7% |
| Precision Agriculture Technicians | 167,331 | 6.9% |
| Agricultural Technicians | 142,810 | 8.4% |
| Microbiologists | 140,194 | -2.7% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of soil sciences graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $51,851 |
| 4 years | $52,838 |
| 5 years | $61,652 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for soil sciences graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers soil sciences grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Microbiologists | $73,155 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,903 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $59,587 |
| Precision Agriculture Technicians | $56,932 |
| Agricultural Technicians | $44,022 |
With 33 different soil sciences programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased soil sciences school rankings to help you.
Those considering soil sciences, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Soil Science and Agronomy, General | 358 |
| Soil Sciences, Other | 55 |
| Soil Chemistry and Physics | 23 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians | 9,051 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | 8,612 |
| Animal Sciences | 8,295 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services | 4,164 |
| Veterinary Medicine | 3,756 |
| Agricultural Production Operations | 3,608 |
| Agriculture, General | 3,276 |
| Plant Sciences | 3,261 |
| Food Science and Technology | 2,269 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services | 1,424 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
