Agricultural chemicals help in crop growth and bring a quality that enhances yield. Agricultural chemicals control pests, diseases, and weeds. The agricultural chemical industry has advanced. It has ceased from being a career that involves toiling under the sun only. The sector is diverse and comprises raising animals, harvesting fish, growing crops, etc.
This sector has provided many opportunities that job seekers can pick from. The sector faces a labor shortage because there is not enough qualified candidate to fill the vacancies. Thus, there is a strong demand for graduates in the agricultural chemical industry. This has led to many graduates enjoying a variety of choices to make in their careers.
If you are interested in starting your career in agricultural chemicals, the time is now. This article has highlighted the top 22 best-paying jobs in this sector. The article explains the role of every given position, the required career path, and the remuneration. Review it to know the right position to pursue.
1. Veterinarian
The veterinarian treats the illness and injuries of animals. He/she uses X-rays machines and medical tools to diagnose the farm animal. The veterinarian’s daily tasks are treating wounds, prescribing medicine, undertaking surgeries on injured animals, and spaying animals.
If you love taking care of and offering healthcare to animals, this is a good career path for you. To practice this role effectively, you will need to have a veterinary medicine degree and the appropriate state licensure.
The average veterinarian earns approximately $146810 per year. However, this pay may vary based on the employer, location, and the candidate’s experience.
2. Chemical Plant Manager
Chemical plant managers oversee daily operations in a chemical plant. They make production schedules, recruit new workers, consults with higher management, and inspects equipment. This is one of the best-paying careers in the agricultural chemical sector. A median chemical plant manager earns $69,262 in a year.
If you want to become a chemical plant manager, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or industrial engineering. These programs will help you gain knowledge about the plant environment and chemical production. As a chemical plant manager, possess strong leadership and organizational skills.
3. Purchasing Agent
A purchasing agent’s primary role is to research and compare goods, services, and suppliers. They consider quality and price while evaluating whether the product fits the needs of a company. A purchasing agent’s primary role is to ensure that a company gets the best deal from a purchase.
If this is a career you are interested in, ensure to have at least a GED or a high school diploma. Some employers prefer candidates with a degree in a procurement, business administration, or a relevant field.
This career attracts a high salary of approximately $75,410 per year. This salary translates to $36.26 per hour.
4. Agronomy Manager
Agronomy managers manage agronomic production within a company. They develop new methods for preserving natural resources, raising livestock, or growing crops. They also manage a team of agronomists.
Most employers seek an agronomy manager with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science, agriculture, or a relevant field. Other employers look for those with a master’s degree in agriculture.
The median salary for an Agronomy Manager ranges from $72775 to $89,238 per year.
5. Farm Manager
Farm managers monitor crops and animals. They also oversee staff and perform other administrative tasks. They purchase supplies, prepare budgets, and maintain relationships with vendors. They focus on ensuring maximum profitability.
This career path begins by studying for a bachelor’s degree in animal science, agriculture, or a relevant field. You can consider taking business management or business administration to broaden your horizon.
As an entry-level position, you will take home a salary of $37,500 per year. However, the most experienced farm manager earns up to $59,920 annually. This salary may vary based on education level, location, and the type of employer.
6. Clinical Research Coordinator
A Clinical Research Coordinator oversees clinical studies or trials to test biotechnology or the effectiveness of new drugs. He or she monitors the health of every participant during the trial period and writes a report on the success/ failure of a medical procedure, technology, or a particular drug.
A Clinical Research Coordinator in the agricultural chemical industry needs a minimum high school diploma or GED. However, a certified Clinical Research Coordinator should have a bachelor’s degree in clinical science research.
The senior clinical research coordinator can take home $76,291 annually. An entry-level position earns an average of $52,443 in a year.
7. Biostatistician
Biostatisticians gather medical research data, analyze it, and interpret the results to make predictions. They develop and implement research studies in partnership with other scientists.
If you are interested in venturing into this career, you will need a bachelor’s degree in Biostatistics or a relevant field. To succeed in this role, know how to handle multiple projects and tasks.
An average biostatistician earns $95,345 and a senior position takes home $153,670 per year. The more experience and education level a candidate has, the higher the salary he or she gets.
8. Water Resources Specialist
Water Resources Specialists outline and execute programs related to water resource matters, such as quality, regulatory compliance, and supply issues. They undertake hydraulic, hydrologic, and water quality modeling.
To become a water resource manager, you need a bachelor’s degree in hydrology, ecology, chemistry, geology, environmental science, engineering science, or a related field.
The average water resource manager in the agricultural chemical industry earns an average of $110,00 per year. This salary may change based on the experience, education, and skills of a candidate.
9. Agricultural Equipment Technician
This is one of the in-demand careers in the agricultural chemical industry. The role attracts an average annual salary of $54,600 for a median-level agricultural equipment technician. The most skilled worker earns up to $69,030 per year.
Agricultural equipment technician overhaul, adjust, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot mobile agricultural equipment. To become agricultural equipment technician, you must have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a related field. Other important requirements are the small engine repair certification, commercial driver’s license, and hydraulic system repair certification.
10. Ecologist
Ecologists are professionals who study how an organism relates to the environment. They evaluate the relationship between animals, plants, and animals. Ecologists examine how plants and animals inhabit a specific environment.
An entry-level ecologist earns $49.983. The average ecologist earns $71, 042 per year. To succeed in this role, you need to have a master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, forestry, natural resources, or a relevant field.
You must know how to analyze and interpret data based on your research. An ideal ecologist is observant, meticulous in details, and self-driven.
11. Operations Manager
Operations Managers manage all operations within an organization. They recruit employees, train them and oversee quality assurance programs. They also strategize process improvements. They ensure every worker performs their duties as expected and on time. To qualify as an operation manager, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in operation management, business, or a related field. You must also have outstanding leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
This is a competitive career because of the high salary packages. The average salary for an operation manager is between $95,043 and $123,117 per year.
12. Agricultural Research Scientist
If you would like a profession that capitalizes on your technical and analytical skills, don’t seek further. As an agricultural scientist, you will work to improve the quantity, sustainability, and quality of food. Agricultural research scientist undertakes research in a field/lab setting to create ways of increasing crop yields.
Many agriculture scientists hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, agriculture, or a relevant field. If you want to advance in this career and earn more, study for a master’s or doctoral degree.
The median agricultural research scientist earns approximately $105, 265 per year. This means that he or she takes home $53.98 per hour.
13. Marketing Director
Marketing directors offer guidance, leadership, and direction to the marketing department. They oversee the organization and marketing of a business or particular product. The primary role of a marketing director is to guide and lead the marketing department. He directs research efforts, monitors project activities, and oversees assigned accounts.
If this is the career of your choice, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, or a related field. Having experience in running a marketing team will help you become a good marketing director.
The entry-level marketing director earns $64,998 and the senior position takes home $154,998 annually.
14. Zoologist
Zoologists study animal species and how they interact with their surroundings. They research animal behavior, gather data, and analyze it to contribute to scientific publication. They administer daily animal care and undertake research projects. They also promote animal conservation and breeding programs.
If this is the career you would want to pursue, you will take home an average salary of $63,725 per tear. However, the most experienced zoologist earns up to $96,194 in a year.
To venture into this field, you will need a degree in zoology. Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s or a Ph.D. degree in zoology. To succeed in this role, you will need to be proficient in statistics and mathematics for the sake of data analysis.
15. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers gather and analyze environmental data. Their primary focus is to improve environmental conservation management. Environmental engineers have strong problem-solving skills that enable them to identify and solve complex environmental issues.
Employers seek a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering. Those with a master’s degree and a professional license increase their chances of getting employment.
The average environmental engineer earns $85,000 per year. This translates to $43.59 per hour.
16. Grower
Growers manage crop development and unnecessary plant removal to ensure the quality standard of crops. They apply fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides to keep worms away from crops. They perform technical procedures, metering devices, and timing to control the application of nutrients, light, and humidity.
Employers from the agricultural chemical industry seek to employ a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, botany, biology, or a related field. An ideal candidate should also understand the management techniques of pests and diseases.
An average grower earns $45,338 annually. This translates into $23.25 per hour. This salary may vary based on the type of employer and location.
17. Food Technologist
A food technologist oversees product development, approving nutritional data, and writing product specifications. He or she ensures that food processing meets the food labeling standards. To become a food technologist, you should have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in food science, consumer sciences, biology, or a related field.
This is one of the best-paying jobs in the agricultural chemical industry. An entry-level position can have you earn $55,000 annually. The average food technologist earns approximately $34,62 per hour.
18. Wastewater Engineer
Wastewater engineers design systems that remove harmful substances from water. They review and analyze drainage systems to ensure that the ecosystem is safe. Their primary role is to prepare water for domestic and industrial use.
If you have an interest in environmental issues and the water industry, this can be a perfect career for you. Many employers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Others prefer candidates with a master’s degree and appropriate state license.
As an entry-level wastewater engineer, you can pocket $80981 per year. An average position can earn up to $97,471 annually.
19. Agribusiness Manager
Agricultural business managers manage the farm’s operation during the production process. They perform budget planning, organize routine maintenance, and supervise workers. Agribusiness managers work in the agricultural chemical sectors. They work in various departments, such as livestock, horticultural, and crops.
Many agribusiness managers start this career by getting training through hands-on experience. But you can start this career path if you know the basics of farming technology and how to run a business. Many employers go for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in farm management, agricultural economics, agriculture, or a relevant field. An agribusiness manager’s annual salary is $61263 on average. This translates to $29.45 per hour.
20. Forester
Foresters manage timber harvesting, ecological restoration, and daily management of protected areas. They draw plans, supervise tree harvest, regenerate forested lands, and observe the progress of lands. They also gather data for statistical analysis used by government bodies and industries.
Candidates interested in this career need a bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, or botany. He or she must also know the ecosystem and forested lands. Some employers prefer candidates with an understanding of using GIS data and aerial imagery.
The most experienced forester earns up to $76,069 annually. An entry-level position takes home $40284 every year. The more experience and education level a candidate has, the higher the earnings.
21. Food Scientist
Food scientists analyze the nutritional elements of food. Their primary role is to improve food quality and discover new food products that comply with safety standards. They also research ways to ensure that processed foods are healthy and safe.
To succeed in this role, you need to know how to interpret scientific findings to food. You should also be passionate about product development and be a team player. Many employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, agricultural science, or a relevant field.
If this is the career of your choice, prepare to earn a salary that falls between $57,650 and 73,760 per year. If you need higher pay, you can advance your education and study for a master’s degree.
22. Geospatial Analysts
Geospatial analysts are key professionals in the agricultural chemical industry. They evaluate data from geographical records such as GIS data, satellite data, aerial photography, and cartographic records. They work in climate science, resource planning, and archeology to examine changes in the landscape for future planning.
To succeed in this role, as a candidate, you must prepare for a demanding and fast-paced environment. Have excellent collaboration, research, interpersonal, and communication skills. Most employers prefer jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in geographic information systems or a relevant field. Some prefer candidates with a master’s degree and strong mathematics skills.
If geospatial analysis is something you would be interested in, you will earn $64942 at the entry-level. Depending on your level and experience, you will earn up to $94 279 per year.
Conclusion
In the recent past, candidates considered the agricultural chemical industry a backward sector that does not pay well. However, the industry has potential rewarding career options for qualified candidates. The agricultural chemical industry is not all about farming. It has many career opportunities, such as technology, plant science, and the food sector. If you are seeking a job that will expose you to the latest developments in science and engineering, the agricultural chemical industry is the perfect career for you.
If you are confused about the career to pursue, study an agricultural-related course. The course will expose you to developing knowledge and technical skills.
