Precision Agriculture Specialists use technology such as GPS-guided equipment, drones, remote sensing, and soil sensors to help farmers optimize planting, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting decisions. They analyze field data to create variable-rate application maps, monitor crop health, and reduce input waste, helping operations become more efficient and environmentally sustainable. This role sits at the intersection of agronomy, data analytics, and equipment technology.
| Entry level | $45,000 |
| Median | $68,000 |
| Senior | $95,000 |
| Top 10% | $120,000 |
| Job growth | +9% |
| Professionals in the USA | 0.05 million |
| Typical hours/week | 45 hrs |
| Remote work share | 10% |
| Annual job openings | 3,500/yr |
| Demand | High |
AI and machine learning are becoming core tools of precision agriculture, powering yield prediction, drone imagery analysis, and variable-rate application systems. Rather than displacing specialists, AI is expanding their toolkit and increasing demand for professionals who can interpret data and translate it into field decisions. The role is shifting from manual data collection toward data strategy, sensor system management, and advisory work.
Automation exposure: Routine data collection via drones/satellites, basic soil sensor readings, yield mapping calculations, and generation of standard variable-rate prescription maps are increasingly automated.
The human edge: Understanding local soil, climate, and crop biology nuances, building trust with farmers, integrating multiple data streams into practical on-farm decisions, and adapting recommendations to unpredictable weather and economic conditions remain distinctly human strengths.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current data with BLS.gov.