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Soil Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Soil Analyst

Blacksburg, VA

Soil Analyst Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536715 Work type: Staff Senior management ... Follow University funds handling protocol and lab procedures to receive payments for lab work ...

Colorado State University

Lab Technician

Denver, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Degree in the field of soil science, or closely related field * Demonstrated strong written and ... lab personnel (20%) Sample Preparation Aids in the preparation (grinding, drying, weight) of soil ...

Colorado State University

Lab Technician

Denver, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Degree in the field of soil science, or closely related field * Demonstrated strong written and ... lab personnel (20%) Sample Preparation Aids in the preparation (grinding, drying, weight) of soil ...

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How much do soil lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for soil lab in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a soil testing technician make?

A soil testing technician typically earns between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often working in laboratory or field environments with tools like soil analyzers.

What is the highest paying lab technician job?

The highest paying lab technician roles are often in specialized fields such as clinical laboratory management, research and development, or environmental testing, with salaries increasing for those with advanced certifications or degrees. Positions in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmental consulting tend to offer higher compensation, especially for those with extensive experience or supervisory responsibilities.

What is the difference between Soil Lab vs Soil Technician?

AspectSoil LabSoil Technician
CertificationsOften requires a degree in soil science, environmental science, or related fieldsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree, with some certifications in soil sampling or testing
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, analyzing soil samples and dataFieldwork, collecting soil samples from various sites
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, environmental agencies, agricultural companiesConstruction, agriculture, environmental consulting firms

While both Soil Lab and Soil Technician roles involve working with soil, Soil Lab professionals primarily analyze samples in a lab setting and often hold higher educational credentials. Soil Technicians focus on field sampling and data collection, supporting lab analysis. Both roles are essential in soil-related industries but differ in work environment and required qualifications.

How do I become a soil tester?

To become a soil tester, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of soil science or related fields. Gaining experience through internships or training in laboratory techniques, and obtaining relevant certifications such as soil testing or environmental analysis, can improve job prospects. Familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety procedures is also important.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a soil lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a soil lab often face challenges such as maintaining sample integrity, managing high sample volumes, and ensuring precise calibration of analytical instruments. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential to prevent cross-contamination between samples. Effective communication and collaboration with agronomists, environmental scientists, and field technicians also play a key role in interpreting results and ensuring data accuracy. Regular training and adherence to strict laboratory protocols help address these challenges and support reliable soil analysis.

What does a soil lab do?

A soil lab is responsible for analyzing soil samples to determine their physical, chemical, and biological properties. This analysis helps farmers, gardeners, and environmental professionals understand soil fertility, pH levels, nutrient content, and the presence of contaminants. The results from a soil lab can guide decisions about fertilization, crop selection, and land management to improve plant growth and environmental sustainability. Soil labs use specialized equipment and scientific methods to ensure accurate and reliable results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Soil Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Soil Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of soil science, laboratory procedures, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in environmental science, agronomy, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as pH meters, spectrophotometers, and software for data management is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are key soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate soil analysis, reliable data interpretation, and effective collaboration, which are vital for supporting agricultural and environmental decision-making.

Is it hard to become a soil scientist?

Becoming a soil scientist typically requires a bachelor's degree in soil science, geology, environmental science, or a related field, with advanced positions often needing a master's or Ph.D. It also involves developing skills in laboratory analysis, fieldwork, and data interpretation, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects.
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Soil Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soil Lab job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Postdoc Researcher - Soil Science/Soil Health

Postdoc Researcher - Soil Science/Soil Health

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

Jefferson City, MO • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

The postdoctoral researcher is a full-time (and benefit eligible), grant-funded position renewed annually for up to 3-years based on job performance and funding availability. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for transforming a large dataset generated from multiple climate-smart research projects coordinated by the Soil Health and Nutrient Management Program into peer-reviewed scientific publications. Additional duties will include (but are not limited to) facilitating activities related to ongoing research projects within the Soil Health and Nutrient Management Programs, supervision, training, and mentoring of undergraduate students in research, lab, and fieldwork protocols.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to data collection from various ongoing lab, greenhouse, and/or field experiments and conduct statistical analysis and interpretation of legacy soil and forage data into peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
  • Train and supervise both graduate and undergraduate students in research, lab, and fieldwork protocols.
  • Active participation and delivery of technology transfer efforts such as presentations at professional society conferences, farmer-focused field days and workshops are expected.
  • In-state travel for data collection from collaborator farmer field sites is required.
  • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Familiarity with the current state of soil health science and related analytical tools including the ability to learn emerging tools such as multi-omics.
  • Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in multivariate statistical techniques such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), as well as others including SAS and R, with demonstrated experience in utilizing them for preparation of scientific manuscripts.
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with a diverse group is required.
  • Ability and desire to conduct lab, greenhouse and fieldwork in all weather conditions.

Qualifications:

  • PhD degree in Agronomy/Soil Science, or other closely related fields is required.
  • Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct professional experiences in soil health research with a notable skill to transform scientific data into peer-reviewed publications.
  • Self-motivated to complete projects and to work to meet job objectives with minimum supervision.
  • Knowledge and ability to operate farm machinery (tractors, flail mowers, etc.)

Physical Demands:

  • Works in an office, lab, field, and greenhouse environments for long hours.
  • Ability to move items up to 25 lbs.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility