Agricultural scientists who have a PhD earn more than those with a master's or bachelor's degree. Agricultural scientists who work for the federal government are paid on a stair step pay scale. The more education and experience they have, the more they are paid. Federal employees need to apply and take a test to move up the scale.
Agricultural scientists who work full time usually receive benefits. Common benefits include paid vacation, health and dental insurance, and a retirement plan.
Soil and plant scientists (SOC 19-1013)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $25.48 | $33.05 | $47.03 |
| Yearly | $53,001 | $68,760 | $97,826 | |
| Champaign Area | Hourly | $25.48 | $32.65 | $42.24 |
| Yearly | $53,001 | $67,906 | $87,857 | |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area | Hourly | $38.09 | $43.30 | $48.63 |
| Yearly | $79,230 | $90,070 | $101,141 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $23.67 | $31.15 | $40.14 |
| Yearly | $49,226 | $64,798 | $83,484 | |
| Dekalb-Elgin-Aurora Area | Hourly | $38.93 | $43.30 | $44.63 |
| Yearly | $80,976 | $90,070 | $92,834 | |
| Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area | Hourly | $32.34 | $38.93 | $43.30 |
| Yearly | $67,257 | $80,976 | $90,070 | |
| Northwest Illinois Area | Hourly | $27.26 | $37.31 | $48.95 |
| Yearly | $56,697 | $77,601 | $101,820 | |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area | Hourly | $34.40 | $40.94 | $50.03 |
| Yearly | $71,554 | $85,137 | $104,056 | |
| Rock Island-Moline Area | Hourly | $19.34 | $25.30 | $42.22 |
| Yearly | $40,220 | $52,611 | $87,831 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $32.33 | $40.54 | $51.36 |
| Yearly | $67,244 | $84,315 | $106,830 | |
| St. Louis-Belleville Area | Hourly | $24.42 | $26.86 | $43.30 |
| Yearly | $50,812 | $55,872 | $90,070 | |
| Will County | Hourly | $31.11 | $34.42 | $43.65 |
| Yearly | $64,723 | $71,602 | $90,788 | |
| United States | Hourly | $24.15 | $31.60 | $45.33 |
| Yearly | $50,220 | $65,730 | $94,290 | |