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Plant Science And Agronomy

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Plant Science And Agronomy.

Entry Level Salary
$41,708
Median Salary
$77,203
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
38.6%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,088,120
Entry (Early)
$41,708
Median (Prime)
$77,203
High (Prime)
$79,941

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-80k
+223k
+245k
$25k / yr
-170k
+133k
+155k
$50k / yr
-260k
+43k
+65k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
27
$25k / yr
Never
35
34
$50k / yr
Never
49
45

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-156%
122%
143%
$50k / yr
-119%
20%
30%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate27%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

7.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$58,951
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,057|$89,900
openings
70,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.4%

Agricultural and food scientists

5.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$81,970
openings
2,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%

Management occupations

4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$89,210
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$92,685|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Postsecondary teachers

3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,437
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Agricultural workers

3.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$32,793
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$46,343|$35,950
openings
119,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%

Landscaping and groundskeeping workers

2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$26,796
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$46,322|$39,150
openings
149,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.7%

First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers

2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,307|$58,430
openings
23,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$25,724
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$97,164|$76,460
openings
123,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.5%

Physical scientists, all other

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,364
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,307|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$35,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,087|$48,520
openings
113,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.7%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
plant sciences.Undergrad Certificate10Data N/A
plant sciences.Associate's Degree27$61,971 - $63,422
plant sciences.Bachelor's Degree82$30,252 - $82,487
plant sciences.Master's Degree55$59,219 - $116,149
plant sciences.Doctoral Degree40$84,498 - $84,498