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Plant Pathologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Assistant Professor - Plant Pathology

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility ...

NC State University

$70 - $110/hr

Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility ...

Citizens Health

Plant Operations/plumber

Colby, KS · On-site

Citizens Health is looking for a full-time maintenance worker in our plant operations department. Our Mission:Enhancing the lives of those we serve. About Us:Citizens Health is a community based ...

Millwood, Inc.

PLANT ADMINISTRATOR

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Summary : Administers and performs the assigned Millwood standard operating procedures in a manner that is within the company's strategic plan guidelines utilizing a positive attitude. For the full ...

Millwood, Inc.

PLANT ADMINISTRATOR

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Summary : Administers and performs the assigned Millwood standard operating procedures in a manner that is within the company's strategic plan guidelines utilizing a positive attitude. For the full ...

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Plant Pathologist information

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$39.5K

$82.6K

$116K

How much do plant pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant pathologist in the United States is $82,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant pathologist?

Plant pathologists are scientists who work in agriculture and related fields. As a plant pathologist, you work both in a laboratory setting and out in the field to monitor the conditions that affect plant and crop health. In the laboratory setting, you analyze samples of plants, microorganisms, and other aspects of the natural environment. When there are soil problems or a crop disease, you make onsite visits to determine the cause of the problem and recommend best solutions to treat or eradicate the issue. You must keep up to date with the latest research and innovations in biological and agricultural sciences related to diseases or pathogens that may plague plants. Working closely with biologists, farmers, breeders, and botanists at farms, you create quality control measures and improve practices for maintaining safe environments for the plants and find ways to increase crop yields or develop disease resistance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant pathologist?

To excel as a Plant Pathologist, you need a strong background in plant biology, microbiology, and disease diagnostics, typically supported by a degree in plant pathology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, molecular diagnostic tools, and data analysis software such as PCR systems and GIS applications is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in problem-solving and collaborating with agricultural stakeholders. These abilities are vital for accurately identifying plant diseases, developing effective management strategies, and supporting sustainable agricultural production.

What are some common challenges plant pathologists face when diagnosing plant diseases in the field?

Plant pathologists often encounter challenges such as distinguishing between similar disease symptoms, environmental stresses, and pest damage, which can all present similar signs in plants. Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools in field settings can make accurate identification more difficult, requiring strong observational skills and sometimes sending samples to a laboratory for further analysis. Additionally, keeping up with emerging diseases and adapting to new pathogens can be demanding, but collaboration with other scientists and ongoing professional development help address these challenges.

What is the difference between Plant Pathologist vs Plant Biologist?

AspectPlant PathologistPlant Biologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Pathology, Ph.D. often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Botany, Plant Science, or related field; Ph.D. for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, agricultural settings, plant disease diagnosticsResearch labs, academic institutions, field studies, conservation areas
Industry UsageAgriculture, plant disease management, research institutionsResearch, academia, conservation, biotechnology

While both roles focus on plants, a Plant Pathologist specializes in diagnosing and managing plant diseases, often working in agricultural and research settings. A Plant Biologist studies plant functions, growth, and development, with broader research interests. The roles overlap in education and research but differ in their specific focus areas and applications.

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Plant Pathologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Pathologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,578 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Integrated Pest Management Associate - Extension Service

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV • On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

West Virginia University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

467th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The West Virginia University Extension Service is inviting applicants for a full-time, benefit eligible, Associate to assist with its Plant and Pest diagnostics and Extension IPM programs.
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate is expected to assist the Extension Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various service and applied research activities including, but not limited to, routine laboratory and maintenance procedures related to plant and pest diagnostics, monitoring specialty crops for insects, diseases, and weeds, assisting with field and greenhouse experimentation and demonstrations.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits at a pro-rated basis, including:
  • 37.5-hour work week
  • Paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  • Annual leave (vacation) (employee leave)
  • Sick days (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
  • WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
  • 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
  • Wellness programs

What You'll Do
  • Assist the Extension Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various services and applied research activities
  • Routine laboratory and maintenance procedures related to plant and pest diagnostics
  • Monitoring specialty crops for insects, diseases, and weeds
  • Assisting with field and greenhouse experimentation and demonstrations
  • Assist with grower training and development of training materials
  • Maintain an inventory of MSDS of pesticides
  • Assist with data collection from field experiments and repair materials for reports
  • The Associate will report to the director of diagnostic clinic (Plant Pathologist) but will also work closely with the Extension Entomologist and Weed Scientist (IPM Coordinator) based on a predetermined monthly schedule.
  • Maintain records of pest and disease specimens, weed herbaria, live weed specimens
  • Maintain a database and enter data into the national 'Plant Diagnostic Information System;
  • Gathering supplementary information on specific host-pest combination
  • Traveling to various sites within the state to collect pest specimens and routine maintenance of isolate collections at the plant diagnostic clinic
  • Attend training meetings and assist with outreach programmatic activities
  • Significant statewide travel and/or overnight stays will be expected during the growing season (April-August) to perform important pest scouting duties.

Qualifications
  • B.S. in Plant Science with supporting course work preferably in horticulture, agronomy, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
  • A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following:
    • Experimental and laboratory techniques
    • Data collection and processing
    • Computer skills in Excel, Word, and data analysis
  • Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
  • All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

  • Valid Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to work independently in an environment with low level supervision after appropriate training is provided.

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