Agricultural and food scientists held about 36,100 jobs in 2014.
Agricultural and food scientists work in various industries, including colleges and universities, manufacturing, and in scientific research and development. The work of agricultural and food scientists takes place in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. They spend most of their time studying data and reports in a laboratory or an office. Fieldwork includes visits to farms or processing plants.
When visiting a food or animal production facility, agricultural and food scientists must follow biosecurity measures, wear suitable clothing, and tolerate the environment associated with food production processes. This environment may include noise associated with large production machinery, cold temperatures associated with food production or storage, and close proximity to animal byproducts.
The industries that employed the most animal scientists in 2014 were as follows:
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state
31%
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
17
Support activities for agriculture and forestry
15
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; private
9
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
6
The industries that employed the most food scientists and technologists in 2014 were as follows:
Food manufacturing
45%
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
13
Management of companies and enterprises
10
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state
6
Testing laboratories
3
The industries that employed the most soil and plant scientists in 2014 were as follows:
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
18%
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state
17
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
13
Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods
11
Federal government, excluding postal service
8
Work Schedules
Agricultural and food scientists typically work full time and have standard schedules. Certain positions may require travel. The amount of travel can vary widely.