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 | $22.50 | $30.11 | $37.02 |
| Yearly | $46,798 | $62,627 | $76,997 | |
| Champaign Area | Hourly | $25.69 | $30.11 | $37.52 |
| Yearly | $53,438 | $62,628 | $78,043 | |
| Charleston-Effingham-Centralia Area | Hourly | $31.67 | $36.92 | $46.31 |
| Yearly | $65,865 | $76,782 | $96,311 | |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Hourly | $24.04 | $30.62 | $38.01 |
| Yearly | $50,010 | $63,680 | $79,070 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $23.86 | $31.44 | $34.11 |
| Yearly | $49,622 | $65,409 | $70,949 | |
| Dekalb-Elgin-Aurora Area | Hourly | $20.75 | $32.10 | $44.76 |
| Yearly | $43,158 | $66,764 | $93,117 | |
| Du Page County | Hourly | $22.99 | $30.24 | $32.73 |
| Yearly | $47,811 | $62,903 | $68,062 | |
| Kankakee-Morris-Pontiac Area | Hourly | $32.91 | $34.42 | $40.13 |
| Yearly | $68,445 | $71,586 | $83,470 | |
| Northwest Illinois Area | Hourly | $28.44 | $36.33 | $37.49 |
| Yearly | $59,154 | $75,569 | $77,975 | |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area | Hourly | $22.08 | $29.63 | $43.49 |
| Yearly | $45,936 | $61,629 | $90,468 | |
| Quincy-Macomb-Galesburg Area | Hourly | $30.87 | $31.67 | $37.18 |
| Yearly | $64,197 | $65,863 | $77,332 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $31.67 | $43.15 | $54.66 |
| Yearly | $65,865 | $89,756 | $113,675 | |
| Will County | Hourly | $31.44 | $36.84 | $40.67 |
| Yearly | $65,409 | $76,636 | $84,591 | |
| United States | Hourly | $27.86 | $34.33 | $47.17 |
| Yearly | $57,950 | $71,410 | $98,110 | |