Science · SOC 19-4012
Field and lab work is overwhelmingly hands-on; AI helps with data logging and analysis but can't replace physical fieldwork.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Automation in agriculture is advancing rapidly, but it targets machinery and irrigation control — the hands-on diagnostic and equipment work of technicians stays relevant for the foreseeable future.
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$87,330 median pay
$67,950 median pay
$85,310 median pay
$95,830 median pay
$54,310 median pay
$104,240 median pay
AI job-risk card
Agricultural Technicians is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Agricultural Technicians is 28/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
28 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Recording and summarizing experimental data, Preparing data reports and charts, Analyzing sample results against benchmarks. Harder to automate: Operating and maintaining farm machinery, Performing crop production and harvesting tasks, Examining animals and specimens in the field, Repairing agricultural facilities and equipment.
Lean into Precision agriculture technology, Data collection and field instrumentation, Crop and soil science fundamentals, Equipment operation and maintenance, Agricultural data interpretation. Consider roles such as Precision agriculture technician or Agricultural equipment specialist or Farm operations manager.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.