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Plant Pathology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

OH · On-site

$40K/yr

OR Successful completion of 4 years of study that included at least 16 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or ...

NCSU

Research Associate

Mills River, 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 ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

OH

$40K/yr

OR Successful completion of 4 years of study that included at least 16 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or ...

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$39.5K

$82.6K

$116K

How much do plant pathology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant pathology 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 plant pathology?

Plant pathology is the scientific study of plant diseases, including their causes, effects, and methods for control and prevention. Plant pathologists investigate how pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes infect plants and how environmental factors can influence disease development. Their work is essential for ensuring healthy crops, improving food security, and minimizing economic losses due to plant diseases. This field combines biology, chemistry, genetics, and agriculture to understand and manage plant health.

What is plant pathology?

Plant pathology is a scientific field that studies disease and how it relates to plants, agriculture, and botany as a whole. This includes issues like how changes in an environment affect the spread of disease, how an organism changes to adapt to infections, and how to breed or grow healthy crops in areas ravaged by a pathogen. Plant pathologists often work with agronomists (experts in soil management and crop production) to monitor research sites, gather information, and search for solutions. Plant pathology covers problems caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, protozoa, and parasitic plants, and occasionally branches out into other fields. For example, a plant pathologist may study how diseases can be transmitted from animals to plants.

What are some common challenges faced by plant pathologists in a research or agricultural setting?

Plant pathologists often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving plant diseases, limited resources for large-scale field studies, and the need to communicate complex findings to growers or policymakers. They must stay current with new disease management strategies and adapt research methods to changing environmental conditions. Collaboration with agronomists, farmers, and regulatory agencies is essential for implementing practical solutions and ensuring that research translates into real-world impact.

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

To thrive as a Plant Pathologist, you need a solid background in plant biology, microbiology, and pathology, typically supported by a relevant degree such as plant science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, diagnostic tools, and data analysis software is essential for conducting research and identifying plant diseases. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills are vital for interpreting findings and collaborating with farmers, researchers, and stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate disease diagnosis, effective management strategies, and advancements in plant health for sustainable agriculture.

What is the difference between Plant Pathology vs Plant Biology?

AspectPlant PathologyPlant Biology
FocusStudy of plant diseases, pathogens, and disease managementStudy of plant structure, function, genetics, and development
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in plant pathology or related fieldRequires a degree in plant biology, botany, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, agricultural settings, universitiesResearch labs, botanical gardens, universities, fieldwork
Industry UsageAgriculture, plant disease management, researchResearch, conservation, education, biotechnology

Plant Pathology focuses on understanding and managing plant diseases, while Plant Biology covers the broader aspects of plant structure and function. Both fields share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their specific research and application areas.

How do you become a plant pathologist?

To become a plant pathologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in plant science, biology, or a related field, followed by a master's or doctoral degree in plant pathology or a similar specialty. Gaining experience through internships, research, or laboratory work is important, and knowledge of diagnostic tools and plant disease management is essential for the role.

What can you do with a degree in plant pathology?

A degree in plant pathology prepares individuals for careers in research, crop protection, and disease management. Professionals may work in agricultural consulting, government agencies, research institutions, or the biotech industry, often utilizing laboratory skills and fieldwork to diagnose and control plant diseases.
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What states have the most Plant Pathology jobs?

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plant pathology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Pathology 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.

Plant Protection Technician

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

Pitcairn, PA

$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Plant Protection Technicians implement domestic programs within assigned geographic areas to prevent the establishment and artificial spread of plant pests and diseases into new areas. If selected, you provide support to Plant Protection and Quarantine Officers with surveys; control measures; biocontrol and biotechnology activities; and export of regulated agricultural commodities within Plant Protection and Quarantine Field Operations.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.
FOR THE GS-05 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Identifying economically significant target pests.
  • Collecting insect and disease samples suspected to be plant pests for identification by subject experts.
  • Using and maintaining survey equipment, including electronic field data equipment such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Global Positioning System, computer tablets, cellular phones, and digital cameras.
  • Assisting in inspecting routine agricultural products for import/export.
  • Reading x-ray images and/or operating x-ray equipment to identify and confiscate prohibited materials.
OR
Successful completion of 4 years of study that included at least 16 semester hours in courses such as biology, plant pathology, entomology, zoology, botany, forestry, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-5 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.
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.
Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.
Employment Type: OTHER

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