6 of the Highest Paying Soil Science Jobs in 2026

The best Soil Science jobs can pay up to $94,000 per year.

High Paying Soil Science Jobs

• Research Soil Scientist

  Salary range: $83,000 - $94,000

  The majority of Research Soil Scientist salaries across the United States currently range between $83,000 (25th percentile) and $94,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Research Soil Scientist job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.

• Soil and Plant Scientist

  Salary range: $57,500 - $82,500

  The majority of Soil and Plant Scientist salaries across the United States currently range between $57,500 (25th percentile) and $82,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Soil and Plant Scientist job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Soil Scientist

  Salary range: $37,500 - $57,000

  A soil scientist is trained to identify and analyze the different characteristics of soil as a natural resource. They often work in the agricultural industry assisting farmers, producers, and others to improve soil for food production. Other soil scientists may work in environmental science, land management, or construction, and their duties include assessing the health of soil, determining if there are any hazards at a potential building site, or reporting changes in conditions to governmental agencies.

• Soils Technician

  Salary range: $37,500 - $40,500

  As a soil technician, you are part of a team of laboratory and field technicians whose duties are testing and analyzing soil samples to describe and understand different characteristics of the soil. Some soil technicians work in the lab, while others collect samples from field sites. Soil technicians are needed in several fields, such as construction, environmental compliance, and agriculture. The analysis they help perform provides clients or stakeholders with important information about soil type and composition, which may be useful for deciding where to plant crops or whether a piece of land is buildable.

• Soil Conservationist

  Salary range: $37,500 - $38,000

  A soil conservationist monitors land and conserves the health and vitality of soil, whether in agriculture, construction, or another field. Job duties include testing soil conditions and developing conservation plans to address issues such as soil erosion, land conservation, and nutrient and water loss that could be due to the growing of crops or construction of buildings. A soil conservationist may pursue a career through work with the federal government, such as the Department of the Interior or Department of Agriculture.

• Soil Conservation Technician

  Salary range: $34,500 - $38,000

  The majority of Soil Conservation Technician salaries across the United States currently range between $34,500 (25th percentile) and $38,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Soil Conservation Technician job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.