Entry Level Salary
$48,233
Median Salary
$79,262
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
32.5%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,170,480
Entry (Early)
$48,233
Median (Prime)
$79,262
High (Prime)
$96,466
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 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
-21k
+239k
+379k
$25k / yr
-111k
+149k
+289k
$50k / yr
-201k
+59k
+199k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
25
$25k / yr
Never
34
29
$50k / yr
Never
46
35
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-102%
137%
266%
$50k / yr
-92%
27%
91%
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 Rate41.3%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Agricultural and food scientists
9.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,733
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,000|$81,970
openings
2,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%
Postsecondary teachers
6.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$24,330
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,298|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
5.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,800
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,616|$58,430
openings
23,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%
Conservation scientists and foresters
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$48,381|$73,920
openings
3,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.3%
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$65,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$87,520
openings
21,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.5%
Management occupations
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$67,023
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$103,112|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Physical scientists, all other
2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$65,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$48,950
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,307|$82,220
openings
7,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Compliance officers
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,653
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,928|$80,730
openings
32,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%
General and operations managers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$57,233
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,051|$105,770
openings
285,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
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 Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| soil sciences. | Bachelor's Degree | 18 | $57,348 - $88,563 |
| soil sciences. | Master's Degree | 20 | $63,555 - $63,555 |
| soil sciences. | Doctoral Degree | 13 | Data N/A |