SOC 19-1013
Soil and Plant Scientists
Risk Score
⚠️34/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥16,600
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$71K
$45K – $131K
Projected Growth
📈+5.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖63/100
High exposure
💡 Soil and Plant Scientists face a risk score of 34/100 — 10 points below the national average of 44. With 63/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $71K ($25K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 34/100, Soil and Plant Scientists faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic sample preparation and experimentation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 16,600 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise and fieldwork in unstructured natural environments to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Soil and Plant Scientists?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Robotic sample preparation and experimentation
Automated laboratory instrumentation and workflows
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise
Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments
Ethical oversight of research involving human subjects
Designing novel experiments and research methodologies
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 71% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 78% |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians | 26 | $79K | 76% |