Compensation
Median Pay
$98,700
National median annual wage for this occupation.
National Career Overview
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
National Median Pay
$98,700
Projected Growth
4.1%
Annual Openings
800
Career outlook
National Snapshot
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National
Employment
10,700
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Outlook
Projected Growth
4.1%
Projected employment change through 2034.
Opportunity
Annual Openings
800
Estimated openings created each year.
Pathway
Preparation
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
STEP 1
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
STEP 2
Experience
None
STEP 3
Training
None
Top Skills for Success
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Speaking & listening
99 / 100
99%
Leadership
96 / 100
96%
Adaptability
95 / 100
95%
Science
94 / 100
94%
Writing & reading
92 / 100
92%
Creativity & innovation
89 / 100
89%
Project management
87 / 100
87%
Problem solving & decision making
82 / 100
82%
Mathematics
79 / 100
79%
Critical & analytical thinking
78 / 100
78%
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Location Intelligence
Best Places for This Career
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Best Metro Areas
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- Top-paying cities
- Fast-growing markets
- Local opportunity rankings
CAREERGPS INSIGHTS
Career Analysis for Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Is Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary a Good Career?
Agricultural sciences teachers in postsecondary education work in a specialized academic field that combines science, analysis, and communication. Nationally, this occupation employs about 11,000 people, indicating a relatively focused but established profession within higher education. The national median annual salary of $86,350 reflects solid earning potential for those who qualify. Projected employment growth of 4.1% and around 1,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities, including new positions and turnover. This role fits people who enjoy scientific thinking, teaching, and ongoing learning, as it draws heavily on skills such as speaking and listening, critical and analytical thinking, and science. Success in this career also connects to abilities in leadership, adaptability, and project management, making it appealing to those who like guiding others and managing complex work. For students, career changers, and professionals, agricultural sciences teaching offers a defined path centered on advanced education and a blend of intellectual and interpersonal work.
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
The national median annual salary for agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary, is $86,350, but pay can vary significantly by location. Among states, Maryland shows a notably high median salary at $129,920, followed by California at $109,930 and Virginia at $105,330. Colorado and Washington list median salaries of $81,920 and $82,960, respectively, closer to the national median. Metro areas can offer even higher pay: the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro reports a median salary of $131,380, and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro lists $129,920. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin show median salaries above $100,000, while Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington is $83,480. These figures indicate that certain states and large metro regions provide higher earning potential, which can be an important factor when comparing job offers or planning where to build a long-term academic career.
Job Outlook for Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Agricultural sciences teachers at the postsecondary level have a national employment base of about 11,000, with projected employment growth of 4.1%. This growth projection indicates that the field is expected to expand over time rather than remain static. With approximately 1,000 annual openings, there is a recurring stream of opportunities, which may include both new roles and positions that open as people move, retire, or change careers. The combination of an existing national workforce and ongoing openings suggests that interested candidates can anticipate continued hiring activity. Because this occupation typically requires advanced education, the overall market is more specialized compared with broader fields, which can affect competition and the number of qualified applicants. For those willing to meet the educational expectations and build relevant skills, the outlook data points to an environment where jobs are expected to persist and gradually increase.
Where Are the Best Opportunities for Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary?
Location can shape both opportunity and pay for agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary. Among states, California has a relatively high opportunity score of 67.38, with a median salary of $109,930 and employment of 400. Colorado and Washington have similar employment levels (160 each) and comparable opportunity scores—56.97 and 56.29—with median salaries just above $80,000. Virginia and Maryland stand out for higher salaries of $105,330 and $129,920, respectively, and opportunity scores above 50, though Maryland’s employment count is smaller at 90. At the metro level, differences are even more pronounced. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro has the highest opportunity score at 77.27 and a median salary of $131,380, though with employment of 40. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria combines a high salary of $129,920 and employment of 110 with an opportunity score of 64.47. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington all offer opportunity scores above 55, with varying salary levels and employment sizes.
Education for Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Agricultural sciences teachers in postsecondary settings typically need a doctoral or professional degree, reflecting the advanced level of knowledge and academic preparation expected in this role. This educational path aligns with the occupation’s emphasis on science, mathematics, and critical and analytical thinking. In addition to deep subject-matter expertise, the role draws strongly on speaking and listening skills, since communication with students and colleagues is central to academic work. Writing and reading are also key, supporting tasks that depend on clear, accurate, and organized information sharing. Leadership, project management, and problem solving and decision making are important for guiding academic activities and handling complex situations. Adaptability and creativity and innovation help these educators respond to new ideas and changing circumstances in their field. Together, the typical degree level and the highlighted skills depict a career suited to individuals who want to combine advanced study with a broad, well-developed professional skill set.
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