Soil Chemistry and Physics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Soil Chemistry and Physics is an advanced academic discipline dedicated to understanding the fundamental chemical and physical behavior of soils within natural and managed ecosystems. This program equips students with the analytical and scientific tools needed to investigate soil composition, dynamics, and sustainability, supporting efforts in environmental protection, agricultural productivity, and land-use planning.
- Soil and Fluid Mechanics: Examines how water and air move through soil matrices, influencing drainage, root access, and erosion processes.
- Mineralogy: Focuses on the identification, formation, and properties of soil minerals, which dictate fertility, structure, and reactivity.
- Sedimentology: Studies the origin, transport, and deposition of soil particles, linking them to landscape evolution and environmental change.
- Thermodynamics: Applies principles of energy transfer and equilibrium to understand chemical reactions and phase changes in soil systems.
- Geomorphology: Explores the development and transformation of landforms, emphasizing the role of soils in shaping Earth’s surface over time.
- Environmental Systems: Integrates soil science with broader ecological and biogeochemical cycles to assess impacts on air, water, and climate.
- Analytical Methods: Covers laboratory and field techniques for quantifying soil composition, contaminants, and physical characteristics.
- Organic and Inorganic Chemistry: Investigates the chemical interactions of carbon-based compounds and minerals that govern soil fertility, pollutant behavior, and nutrient cycling.
Soil Chemistry and Physics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Soil Chemistry and Physics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Soil Chemistry and Physics 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 |
Soil Chemistry and Physics 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 Soil Chemistry and Physics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Soil Chemistry and Physics 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 Soil Chemistry and Physics is found at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 23 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
23 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Soil Chemistry and Physics programs
How much can I earn with a Soil Chemistry and Physics degree?
Salaries for Soil Chemistry and Physics 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 Soil Chemistry and Physics programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Soil Chemistry and Physics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (23 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 Soil Chemistry and Physics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 19 in 2010 to a peak of 39 in 2020, before declining slightly to 23 in 2023-24. This represents a 21% 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 Soil Chemistry and Physics 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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