Plant Breeding: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Plant breeding is a specialized field dedicated to advancing agricultural sustainability through the scientific enhancement of plant species. By leveraging principles of genetics and modern biotechnological tools, this discipline drives innovation in crop development, disease resistance, and yield optimization to meet global food security challenges.
- Genetics: The study of heredity and variation in plants, providing the foundational knowledge for understanding how traits are passed from one generation to the next.
- Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism’s DNA using biotechnology to introduce or enhance specific traits, such as drought tolerance or pest resistance.
- Population Genetics: The analysis of genetic variation within plant populations, essential for predicting breeding outcomes and maintaining genetic diversity.
- Agronomy: The science of crop production and soil management, integrating plant breeding with field practices to maximize agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
- Plant Protection: Strategies and techniques to safeguard crops from pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, ensuring long-term productivity and quality.
- Biotechnology: The application of biological systems and organisms to develop or modify products and processes, playing a central role in modern plant improvement and innovation.
Plant Breeding Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Plant Breeding Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Plant Breeding degrees, including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Soil and Plant Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 25,300 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| Soil and Plant Scientists 19-1013 | $71,410 | $45,320 - $131,440 | 16,600 | $34.33 |
Plant Breeding Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,275 in Arizona to $102,190 in Texas—a 75% difference. The highest-paying states include Texas, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 25,300 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Plant Breeding by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Plant Breeding programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Plant Breeding is found at University of Georgia (UGA) (12 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (11 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (8 graduates), Cornell University (5 graduates), and Washington State University (WSU) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 39 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Cornell University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Plant Breeding programs
How much can I earn with a Plant Breeding degree?
Salaries for Plant Breeding graduates vary by role and location. Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $86,350 annually, while Soil and Plant Scientists earn around $71,410. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Texas average $102,190 compared to $58,275 in Arizona. Approximately 25,300 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Plant Breeding programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Plant Breeding degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Georgia (UGA) (12 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (11 graduates), and Iowa State University (ISU) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Plant Breeding growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 32 in 2010 to a peak of 59 in 2020, before declining slightly to 39 in 2023-24. This represents a 22% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Plant Breeding degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Soil and Plant Scientists, . Related occupations employ approximately 25,300 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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