Soil Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Soil sciences explore the physical, chemical, and biological properties of Earth’s surface layer, focusing on how soils form, function, and interact with ecosystems. This interdisciplinary field equips learners with the analytical and practical skills needed to address environmental challenges, support sustainable land use, and advance agricultural productivity.
- Soil Formation and Classification: Study of the processes that create soils over time and the systematic categorization of soil types based on texture, structure, and composition.
- Soil Chemistry: Examination of nutrient cycles, pH balance, ion exchange, and the role of organic and inorganic compounds in soil fertility and contamination.
- Soil Physics: Analysis of water movement, aeration, bulk density, and mechanical behavior of soils to inform irrigation, drainage, and land management strategies.
- Soil Biology and Microbiology: Investigation of microbial communities, decomposers, and biota that influence nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health.
- Land Use and Environmental Management: Application of soil science principles to mitigate erosion, manage waste, restore degraded lands, and support climate-resilient agriculture.
- Soil Sampling and Analysis: Hands-on training in field collection techniques, laboratory testing, and data interpretation for accurate soil assessment and decision-making.
Soil Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Soil Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Soil 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 |
Soil 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 Soil Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Soil 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 Soil Sciences is found at Brigham Young University (BYU) (21 graduates), University of Hawaii (UHM), Manoa (12 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (9 graduates), Clemson University (9 graduates), and Oklahoma State University (OSU), Main Campus (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 55 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Soil Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Soil Sciences degree?
Salaries for Soil 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 Soil Sciences programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Soil Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Brigham Young University (BYU) (21 graduates), University of Hawaii (UHM), Manoa (12 graduates), and University of California (UCD), Davis (9 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 Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 43 in 2010 to a peak of 60 in 2020, before declining slightly to 55 in 2023-24. This represents a 28% 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 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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