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Agricultural Scientists

Life, Physical & Social Sciencesmediumaugment
BLS 2024-34: +8%
Median Wage: $74,910
Employment: 36K

Overall Exposure

37+13

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

55

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

21

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

25

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

37โ†’53
+16

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

55โ†’71
+16

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

21โ†’35
+14

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

25โ†’37
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202324401016actual
202430471520actual
202537552125actual
202643612629estimated
202748663133estimated
202853713537estimated

Task Breakdown

Analyze crop yield data and soil composition samples
60%ฮฒ 1
Conduct field trials and greenhouse experiments
20%ฮฒ 0
Develop pest-resistant and high-yield crop varieties using genomic tools
45%ฮฒ 0.5
Write technical reports and secure research funding
52%ฮฒ 1

About This Occupation

If you work as an Agricultural Scientist, AI is steadily transforming your profession. With an automation risk of 25/100 and overall exposure at 37%, this role faces medium transformation. The highest-impact area is analyzing crop yield data and soil composition samples at 60% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +8% growth through 2034. AI-powered precision agriculture tools and genomic analysis platforms are enhancing research productivity while fieldwork remains largely manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 25%, Agricultural Scientists has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Agricultural Scientists is 25% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 37%, with 55% theoretical exposure and 21% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +9 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Agricultural Scientists are: Analyze crop yield data and soil composition samples (60%), Write technical reports and secure research funding (52%), Develop pest-resistant and high-yield crop varieties using genomic tools (45%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +8% employment change for Agricultural Scientists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 37%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Agricultural Scientists should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Published evergreen blog posts analyzing AI impact on farmers and agricultural engineers: 37% exposure, 25% automation risk.

[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]