Plant Protection and Pest Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Plant Protection and Pest Management graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,350. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $100,820 compared to $57,230 in Hawaii. Approximately 41,470 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Plant Protection and Pest Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include California State University, Fresno (69 graduates), California State Polytechnic University (CPP), Pomona (26 graduates), and Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins (19 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 64 in 2010 to a peak of 172 in 2020, before declining slightly to 166 in 2023-24. This represents a 159% 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.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Soil and Plant Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 41,470 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.