Plant Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Plant Sciences is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the scientific study of plant life, from molecular processes to ecosystem-level interactions. This program equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in understanding plant biology, cultivation, and sustainable management across diverse environments.
- Plant Physiology: Explores how plants function at the cellular and systemic levels, including water transport, photosynthesis, and hormonal regulation.
- Genetics and Genomics: Focuses on hereditary traits, gene expression, and genome editing techniques to improve plant resilience and productivity.
- Soil Science: Investigates the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and their critical role in plant growth and environmental health.
- Plant Pathology: Studies diseases affecting plants, their causes, and strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and control.
- Ecology and Environmental Interactions: Examines plant relationships within ecosystems, including responses to climate change, biodiversity, and land-use patterns.
- Plant Breeding and Biotechnology: Applies genetic principles and modern tools to develop improved crop varieties with enhanced yield, nutrition, and stress tolerance.
Plant Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Plant Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Plant Sciences 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 Sciences 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 Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Plant Sciences 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 Sciences is found at Auburn University (AU) (55 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (23 graduates), University of Kentucky (UK) (12 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (7 graduates), and University of Delaware (UD) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 107 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University (AU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
55 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
23 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Master's
|
6 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Doctorate (Professional)
|
4 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Plant Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Plant Sciences degree?
Salaries for Plant Sciences 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 Sciences programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Plant Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Auburn University (AU) (55 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (23 graduates), and University of Kentucky (UK) (12 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 Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 94 in 2010 to 107 in 2023-24. This represents a 14% 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 Sciences 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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