Agricultural and food science technicians help scientists with testing and research on crops, fibers, and food and beverage products. They collect samples in fields and plants, run lab tests, record data and keep equipment working. AI tools can help analyze data and draft reports. The field and lab work stays hands-on.
The short answer: research demand keeps these jobs growing. The ILO's 2025 index rates agricultural technicians as not exposed, with a score of 0.26. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5 percent growth for agricultural and food science technicians from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 5,900 openings a year. Projections are estimates, not guarantees.
How exposed agricultural technicians are
The International Labour Organization scores occupations' tasks from 0 (cannot be automated with generative AI) to 1 (could be done without a human operator), and groups them into gradients from 1 to 4, with 4 the most exposed; below them sit minimal exposure and not exposed (ILO Working Paper 140, 2025).
| Occupation (ISCO-08) | ILO category | Mean task score (0 to 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Technicians | Not exposed | 0.26 |
What the BLS projects
| Occupation | Projected change 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural and food science technicians | Grow 5% | About 5,900 |
The BLS says demand will continue for agricultural research into water resources, pests and pathogens, climate and weather patterns, and biofuels and other agricultural products. Its outlook does not mention AI.
Where AI is helping
- Analyzing test and field data as a starting point.
- Reading images of crops and samples for a first check.
- Drafting lab reports and keeping records.
What stays with agricultural technicians
- Fieldwork: collecting samples and measurements outdoors.
- Lab work: preparing samples and running tests carefully.
- Food safety: following the procedures that keep products safe.
- Checking AI help: generated analysis and facts can be wrong, which NIST calls confabulation (NIST AI 600-1). See checking AI output.
How the job is changing
More data comes from sensors and imaging, so handling data is a bigger part of the job alongside field and lab skills. This page is general information, not career advice.
See also will AI replace food scientists?, will AI replace farmers? and will AI replace lab technicians?
Pay and how to get in
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual pay for agricultural and food science technicians at $51,160 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all workers. The typical education needed to enter is: associate's degree. See how this job compares in AI exposure by pay and AI exposure by education level.
Questions and answers
Will AI replace agricultural technicians?
Not on current projections. The BLS projects 5 percent growth for agricultural and food science technicians from 2025 to 2035.
How exposed are agricultural technicians to AI?
The ILO rates agricultural technicians as not exposed, with a score of 0.26.
How many openings are expected?
About 5,900 a year on average over the decade, according to the BLS.
What drives demand?
The BLS points to research into water resources, pests and pathogens, climate and weather, and biofuels.