5. Food Science Technician

The food science technician assists agricultural and food scientists by testing and analyzing food, food additives, and even food containers to make sure that they meet safety standards. They also assist with research, help to organize and analyze test results, and report on the research done. In this career in agriculture, a median annual wage is $36,480 and the job growth is projected at five percent through 2024. They may work in many different areas of agriculture, including food manufacturers, large farming operations, or food processors and may work in processing plans, in laboratories, or in greenhouses or farms. Entering this career in agriculture without a college degree would require many years of experience. An associate or bachelor’s degree in food science is recommended.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that “increasing computerization in the nation’s food production and distribution system underscores the need for computer programming and support specialists for precision agriculture applications.” Careers in agriculture, an industry that is no longer just farming, offer a technological and high-growth field of opportunity.