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Plant Physiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$66.04 - $93.97/hr

... plant physiology, biosystems engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, or a related discipline * strong interest in sustainable and resource-efficient controlled environment ...

Agronomist - Plant Biology

Eldorado, TX · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Demonstrated experience analyzing plant physiology to optimize crop nutrition and growth parameters. A passion for continuous improvement, with exceptional attention to detail in experimental ...

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How much do plant physiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant physiology in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is plant physiology?

A Plant Physiology job involves studying how plants function, grow, and respond to their environment. Professionals in this field research plant processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and water regulation. They may work in agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, or academia to improve crop production, sustainability, and plant health. Their work often includes laboratory experiments, field studies, and data analysis to enhance plant performance and resilience.

What are the typical responsibilities of a plant physiologist?

Plant Physiologists are responsible for designing and conducting experiments to study plant processes such as photosynthesis, water relations, and nutrient uptake. In both research and industry, you may collect and analyze data, write reports or scientific papers, and present your findings to colleagues or stakeholders. Collaboration with other scientists, such as agronomists, geneticists, and laboratory technicians, is common, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex plant science problems. Additionally, you might be involved in developing new crop varieties or improving sustainable agricultural practices, making your work impactful for both science and food production.

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

To thrive as a Plant Physiologist, you need a solid background in plant biology, biochemistry, and research methodologies, often supported by an advanced degree in plant science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software like R or Python, and techniques such as chromatography or microscopy is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish candidates in this field. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, foster innovative research, and support collaboration across multidisciplinary scientific teams.

How much do plant physiologists make?

Plant physiologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those in research and academia may offer higher compensation, especially with specialized skills or advanced degrees.

What are the career options in plant physiology?

Plant physiology professionals can pursue careers as research scientists, agronomists, plant biochemists, or crop consultants, often working in academia, government agencies, or private industry. They may work in laboratories, greenhouses, or field settings, utilizing skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and plant biology. Advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. are typically required for research and academic positions.

What does a plant physiologist do?

A plant physiologist studies how plants function, including processes like photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and growth. They conduct experiments, analyze plant responses to environmental factors, and often use laboratory and field tools to improve crop yields, develop sustainable practices, or understand plant biology. This role typically requires knowledge of biology, chemistry, and plant science, along with skills in data analysis and laboratory techniques.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Physiology jobs?

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What states have the most Plant Physiology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plant Physiology jobs include:

Infographic showing various Plant Physiology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,934 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Research Plant Physiologist

Fort Collins, CO

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plains Area (PA), Center for Agricultural Resources Research in Fort Collins, CO.

In this position, you will acquire, evaluate, preserve, and distribute critical plant germplasm resources and research technologies to improve these critical functions.

Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Basic Requirements for 0435 series
Degree: botany or plant physiology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 10 semester hours in plant physiology.
Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting the basic requirements described above, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below.
GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess an equivalent combination of graduate level education and experience. Graduate education must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: contributing to a research project related to Plant Physiology or Clonal Plant Production; and producing publications as the primary author or contributor that fill in gaps in an existing theory or framework.
OR
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Related degrees may include Agronomy, Botany, Ecology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Physiology, Crop Production, Clonal Production, Plant Cryobiology, or Microbiology.
OR
Combination of graduate level education and experience as described above.
GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: collecting and curating plant genetic samples; identifying critical problems facing the genetics industry and conducts research to solve these problems; and presenting information to professional organizations (e.g., societies, academia, industry) within and outside of the organization on technical matters and practices in the area of specialization.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To further support your qualifications, it is strongly recommended that you submit a one-page abstract of your MS thesis and/or Ph.D. dissertation. Failure to do so could result in loss of your consideration/referral. Also, please submit a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, recognition; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitation); and publications.

Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER