by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 33 U.S. colleges awarded 447 degrees and certificates in Soil Sciences. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 43% of graduates. College Factual ranks 10 schools in its 2027 Best Soil Sciences Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $51,851 one year after completing, rising to $69,026 after four years.
If you're looking for a career that lets you out of the typical office setting, think about majoring in Soil Sciences.
Soil science is the analysis of soil properties and their relation to agricultural crops. Some classes in Soil Sciences include soil chemistry and fertility, mineralogy, hydrology, agronomy, and soil conservation and management. These classes will show the relationship between crop production and water and air quality, landscape design, and waste management.
If you choose to major in Soil Sciences, you may choose to focus on a specific concentration. Possible areas of study within Soil Sciences include Soil Science and Agronomy, Soil Chemistry and Physics, and Soil Microbiology.
Studying Soil Sciences explores Soil Sciences.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, soil sciences draws strong interest, with 447 degrees awarded annually. 33 colleges award soil sciences degrees, an average of 14 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 86.
By level, the 447 awards include 10 certificates, 4 associate degrees, 194 bachelor’s degrees, 184 master’s degrees and 51 doctorates.
Women earned 57% of soil sciences degrees and certificates in the latest year (253 of 447). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (291) and Hispanic or Latino (45), and international students earned 66.
College Factual ranks 10 schools in its 2027 Best Soil Sciences Schools ranking, including 8 for bachelor’s degrees and 2 for master’s degrees. It also ranks soil sciences schools within 8 states. In all, 33 colleges offer soil sciences programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Soil Sciences Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common soil sciences credential is the bachelor’s degree: 194 of the 447 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to soil sciences call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Biology, English Language and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
As a soil scientist, you have the ability to perform many different tasks. You may choose to advise farmers on the best soil for their crops and how to conserve it, analyze the mineral content of different soils, or work with industries to improve crop quality. No matter what path you choose to follow, there are some skills that make soil scientists successful. A strong background and enjoyment of science will be beneficial, as many classes focus on ecology, microbiology, chemistry, and physics. Soil Scientists must also have strong critical thinking and analysis skills, as they interpret data and make decisions about what soils and crops work best together.
Soil scientists are frequently found outside the office and in the field, analyzing and observing the soil or performing tests and experiments within a research lab. This is a great career choice for anyone who does not like the sound of a typical desk job.
Internships and previous experience are not mandatory, but are highly suggested for anyone interested in becoming a soil scientist. Summer jobs and internships will provide working experience and expose you to current techniques used within the field.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a soil sciences degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 10 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 4 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 194 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 184 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 51 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to soil sciences, at 34.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 34.3% |
| Master’s degree | 17.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 15.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 15.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 5.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.8% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| Some college courses | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Soil Sciences, with an average median salary of $60,120; the strongest outlook belongs to Agricultural Technicians, at 8.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Farm Management Teacher, Fisheries Professor, College Professor and Agriculture Instructor.
There are many opportunities available for those who graduate with a degree in Soil Sciences. Some possible careers include management positions at farms and ranches, at soil and water conservation agencies, and at companies that specialize in land-use planning. You also have the option to work with landscapers and gardeners.
The occupation related to soil sciences with the most projected jobs is Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, at 297,433.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 297,433 | 4.5% |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | 172,528 | 3.7% |
| Precision Agriculture Technicians | 167,331 | 6.9% |
| Agricultural Technicians | 142,810 | 8.4% |
| Microbiologists | 140,194 | -2.7% |
Soil Sciences graduates earn a median $51,851 one year after completing their program, $69,026 after four years and $61,652 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $51,851 |
| 4 years | $69,026 |
| 5 years | $61,652 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to soil sciences is Microbiologists, with a median salary of $73,155.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Microbiologists | $73,155 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,903 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $59,587 |
| Precision Agriculture Technicians | $56,932 |
| Agricultural Technicians | $44,022 |
Soil Sciences includes 3 concentrations that together award 447 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Soil Science and Agronomy, General (370), Soil Sciences, Other (52) and Soil Chemistry and Physics (25). It has 18 similar majors in the Agriculture field, which together award 53,686 degrees a year; the largest are Agricultural Business and Management (8,920), Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians (8,916) and Animal Sciences (8,777). Browse all Agriculture majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Soil Science and Agronomy, General | 370 |
| Soil Sciences, Other | 52 |
| Soil Chemistry and Physics | 25 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management | 8,920 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians | 8,916 |
| Animal Sciences | 8,777 |
| Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services | 4,242 |
| Veterinary Medicine | 3,882 |
| Agricultural Production Operations | 3,822 |
| Plant Sciences | 3,510 |
| Agriculture, General | 3,002 |
| Food Science and Technology | 2,250 |
| Agricultural Mechanization | 1,491 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
