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 | $26.30 | $32.10 | $44.63 |
| Yearly | $54,714 | $66,761 | $92,828 | |
| Champaign Area | Hourly | $25.44 | $29.82 | $37.20 |
| Yearly | $52,916 | $62,017 | $77,371 | |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area | Hourly | $34.06 | $40.97 | $52.86 |
| Yearly | $70,849 | $85,230 | $109,951 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $24.32 | $30.02 | $38.95 |
| Yearly | $50,582 | $62,452 | $81,018 | |
| Dekalb-Elgin-Aurora Area | Hourly | $28.69 | $44.63 | $45.81 |
| Yearly | $59,680 | $92,828 | $95,284 | |
| Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area | Hourly | $30.21 | $34.06 | $42.28 |
| Yearly | $62,845 | $70,849 | $87,936 | |
| Northwest Illinois Area | Hourly | $36.21 | $46.33 | $50.23 |
| Yearly | $75,316 | $96,356 | $104,472 | |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area | Hourly | $35.91 | $39.62 | $48.70 |
| Yearly | $74,702 | $82,420 | $101,301 | |
| Rock Island-Moline Area | Hourly | $31.54 | $45.41 | $51.79 |
| Yearly | $65,608 | $94,465 | $107,706 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $29.23 | $39.67 | $51.45 |
| Yearly | $60,797 | $82,520 | $107,020 | |
| United States | Hourly | $25.97 | $32.81 | $44.95 |
| Yearly | $54,030 | $68,240 | $93,500 | |