Botanists
Overview
Introduction
Botanists study all different aspects of plant life, from cellular structure to reproduction, to how plants are distributed, to how rainfall or other conditions affect them, and more. Botany is an integral part of modern science and industry, with diverse applications in agriculture, agronomy (soil and crop science), conservation, manufacturing, forestry, horticulture, and other areas. Botanists work for the government, in research and teaching institutions, and for private industry. The primary task of botanists is research and app...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
In July 2024, Salary.com reported the average salary for botanists was $74,910. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that plant and soil scientists made median annual salaries of $68,240 a year in May 2023. Salaries ranged from less than $43,790 for the bottom 10 percent to $119,410 or more for the top 10 percent of all plant and soil scientists. Plant and soil scientists working for the federa...
Work Environment
Botanists work in a wide variety of settings, some of them very pleasant: greenhouses, botanical gardens, and herbariums, for example. A botanist working for an environmental consultant or conservation organization may spend a lot of time outdoors, rain or shine. Some botanists interact with the public, such as in a public park or greenhouse, sharing their enthusiasm for the field. Other botani...
Outlook
Employment for agricultural and food scientists, including plant and soil scientists, is expected to increase faster than the average through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Botanists will be needed to help meet growing environmental, conservation, pharmaceutical, and similar demands. Their work also will help to improve the ability of plants to resist disease and pests, find n...