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Fruit Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

International Society for Horticultural Science

Home > Careers > Assistant/Associate Professor of Tropical Fruit Crops Assistant/Associate ... plant breeding techniques. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written ...

Sun World International, LLC

Farm Manager

Wasco, CA · On-site

$104K - $128K/yr

Description Sun World International is a global leader in the breeding, development, and licensing of premium fresh fruit varieties. We partner with growers in more than 30 countries to bring ...

Wine Industry Expo

Farm Manager

Wasco, CA · On-site

Sun World International is a global leader in the breeding, development, and licensing of premium fresh fruit varieties. We partner with growers in more than 30 countries to bring innovative table ...

PepsiCo

Agricultural Science Technician

Rhinelander, WI

$54K - $82K/yr

... and fruit & vegetable crops around the world. A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of ...

PepsiCo

Agricultural Science Technician

Rhinelander, WI

$54K - $82K/yr

... and fruit & vegetable crops around the world. A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of ...

PepsiCo

Agricultural Science Technician

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$54K - $82K/yr

... and fruit & vegetable crops around the world. A creative, results-oriented breeding technician is required to execute breeding activities primarily across potatoes and oat, with potential of ...

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Fruit Breeding information

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$25K

$69.4K

$99K

How much do fruit breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fruit breeding in the United States is $69,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fruit breeding?

Fruit breeding is the science and practice of developing new varieties of fruit plants with desirable traits, such as improved taste, size, disease resistance, and yield. This process involves selecting parent plants with favorable characteristics and cross-pollinating them to produce offspring with enhanced qualities. Fruit breeders use traditional breeding techniques as well as modern genetic tools to achieve their goals. The work is important for ensuring a diverse, resilient, and productive fruit supply to meet consumer and agricultural needs.

What are some common challenges faced by fruit breeders, and how do they typically overcome them?

Fruit breeders often encounter challenges such as long breeding cycles, unpredictable weather impacts, and maintaining genetic diversity while selecting for desirable traits like flavor, yield, or disease resistance. To address these hurdles, breeders use advanced technologies like marker-assisted selection and genomic tools to speed up the process and improve accuracy. Collaboration with plant pathologists, horticulturists, and growers is essential to ensure the new varieties meet both agricultural and market needs. Staying up to date with industry research and participating in field trials are also crucial for overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fruit breeder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fruit Breeder, you need expertise in plant genetics, horticulture, and crop science, typically supported by a degree in plant breeding, agriculture, or a related field. Familiarity with molecular marker technology, statistical analysis software, and greenhouse or field trial management systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills help drive innovation and successful research outcomes. These competencies ensure the development of new, resilient fruit varieties that meet market and environmental demands.

What is the difference between Fruit Breeding vs Plant Breeding?

AspectFruit BreedingPlant Breeding
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Genetics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, orchards, agricultural companiesResearch labs, seed companies, agricultural research stations
Industry UsageFocused on developing new fruit varietiesBroader, includes all plant types including fruits, vegetables, grains

Fruit Breeding is a specialized subset of Plant Breeding focused specifically on developing new fruit varieties. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Fruit Breeding concentrates on fruit crops, whereas Plant Breeding encompasses a wider range of plants. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or research focus.

Do fruit breeders make good money?

Fruit breeders typically earn a median salary that varies by experience, education, and location, with many positions offering competitive pay within agricultural research and horticulture fields. Advanced degrees and specialized skills in genetics or plant science can lead to higher salaries, especially in research institutions or private industry. Overall, fruit breeding can provide a stable income, but salaries tend to be moderate compared to other scientific or technical roles.

How do you become a fruit breeder?

To become a fruit breeder, typically a bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research roles. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in plant genetics and breeding techniques, and familiarity with laboratory tools and fieldwork are important steps in pursuing this career.
Infographic showing various Fruit Breeding job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,416 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Temporary Potato Breeding Research Technician - Plymouth, NC

Raleigh, NC • On-site

NCSU
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about NCSUexternal

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Medical

Re-posted 22 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

463rd of 633 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Posting Number PG194918TM Position Number 11ASO3414 Position Type Temporary Essential Job Duties
Weeding plots, harvesting potato field plots, harvesting seed from greenhouse generated fruit, frying potato chips, assisting in grading process, cleaning and preparing harvesting equipment, cleaning equipment post-harvest, other tasks as the need arises. 
Work Schedule - We will work approximately 40 hrs./week. Some weeks will be less and the time of day the project will start in the mornings will fluctuate depending on the tasks the project is required to complete.
Is Time Limited No If Yes, Appointment Length Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:
  • Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
  • Enhance your career with LEAD courses
  • Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. 
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Department Information
Job City & State Plymouth, NC Department Horticultural Science
System Information
Classification Title Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional Working Title Temporary Potato Breeding Research Technician - Plymouth, NC

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About North Carolina State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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