SOC 19-1013
Soil and Plant Scientists
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ34/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ16,600
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$71K
$45K โ $131K
Projected Growth
๐+5.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค63/100
High exposure
๐ก Soil and Plant Scientists face a risk score of 34/100 โ 10 points below the national average of 44. With 63/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $71K ($25K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 34/100, Soil and Plant Scientists faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic sample preparation and experimentation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 16,600 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise and fieldwork in unstructured natural environments to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Soil and Plant Scientists?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic sample preparation and experimentation
Automated laboratory instrumentation and workflows
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise
Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments
Ethical oversight of research involving human subjects
Designing novel experiments and research methodologies
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Computer aided design CAD software
Geographic information system
Categorization or classification software
Map creation software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Biology
English Language
Computers and Electronics
Chemistry
Mathematics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 71% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 78% |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians | 26 | $79K | 76% |