Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Precision Agriculture Technicians
Occupation · SOC 19-4012.01
Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.
Also called: Agronomist · Crop Specialist · Precision Agriculture Specialist (Precision Ag Specialist) · Precision Agronomist · Agrintelligence Specialist (Agriculture Intelligence Specialist) · Agronomy Consultant · Crop Consultant · Precision Agriculture Analyst (Precision Ag Analyst) · Precision Farming Coordinator · Precision Technology Agronomist (Precision Tech Agronomist) · Agriculture Specialist · Agriculture Technician (Agriculture Tech)
Job family: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-19-4012-01/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- About average employment outlook (+4.3% by 2034)
- 2,900 openings/yr
- Moderate AI exposure
- Median pay $46,790/yr
59th-percentile task overlap — yet about 2,900 openings a year (+4.3% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) High | 79th | 0.9 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) Moderate | 42nd | 0.1 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.1), with simple added tooling (β 0.5), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.9). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information. | 0.5% | |
| Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data. | 0.4% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | About average · +4.3% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 2,900 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 18,600 → 19,400 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Tasks
All 22 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Document and maintain records of precision agriculture information. Core · importance 4.3
- Collect information about soil or field attributes, yield data, or field boundaries, using field data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS). Core · importance 4.2
- Use geospatial technology to develop soil sampling grids or identify sampling sites for testing characteristics such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium content, pH, or micronutrients. Core · importance 4.2
- Divide agricultural fields into georeferenced zones, based on soil characteristics and production potentials. Core · importance 4.1
- Create, layer, and analyze maps showing precision agricultural data, such as crop yields, soil characteristics, input applications, terrain, drainage patterns, or field management history. Core · importance 4.0
- Install, calibrate, or maintain sensors, mechanical controls, GPS-based vehicle guidance systems, or computer settings. Core · importance 4.0
- Analyze geospatial data to determine agricultural implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers, or weather conditions. Core · importance 4.0
- Compare crop yield maps with maps of soil test data, chemical application patterns, or other information to develop site-specific crop management plans. Core · importance 4.0
- Identify spatial coordinates, using remote sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS) data. Core · importance 4.0
- Analyze data from harvester monitors to develop yield maps. Core · importance 4.0
- Apply precision agriculture information to specifically reduce the negative environmental impacts of farming practices. Core · importance 3.9
- Demonstrate the applications of geospatial technology, such as Global Positioning System (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), automatic tractor guidance systems, variable rate chemical input applicators, surveying equipment, or computer mapping software. Core · importance 3.8
- Draw or read maps, such as soil, contour, or plat maps. Core · importance 3.7
- Recommend best crop varieties or seeding rates for specific field areas, based on analysis of geospatial data. Core · importance 3.7
- Prepare reports in graphical or tabular form, summarizing field productivity or profitability. Core · importance 3.6
- Program farm equipment, such as variable-rate planting equipment or pesticide sprayers, based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability. Core · importance 3.6
- Provide advice on the development or application of better boom-spray technology to limit the overapplication of chemicals and to reduce the migration of chemicals beyond the fields being treated. Core · importance 3.6
- Participate in efforts to advance precision agriculture technology, such as developing advanced weed identification or automated spot spraying systems. Core · importance 3.4
- Analyze remote sensing imagery to identify relationships between soil quality, crop canopy densities, light reflectance, and weather history. Core · importance 3.3
- Advise farmers on upgrading Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to take advantage of newly installed advanced satellite technology. Core · importance 3.2
- Contact equipment manufacturers for technical assistance, as needed. Core · importance 3.2
- Identify areas in need of pesticide treatment by analyzing geospatial data to determine insect movement and damage patterns. Core · importance 3.0
Emerging tasks
Newer responsibilities O*NET has flagged as growing for this occupation.
- Operate drone technology to capture aerial imagery and data for crop monitoring and analysis.
Work activities
- Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
- Research crop management methods.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
- Collect geographical or geological field data.
- Analyze environmental data.
- Determine geographic coordinates.
- Analyze geological or geographical data.
- Advise customers on the use of products or services.
- Prepare maps.
- Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel.
- Consult with others regarding safety or health equipment or facilities.
- Conduct climatological research.
- Record research or operational data.
- Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
- Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
- Develop agricultural methods.
- Prepare operational reports.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.2 | |
| Computers and Electronics | 4.1 | |
| Sales and Marketing | 3.5 | |
| Mathematics | 3.5 | |
| English Language | 3.5 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.4 | |
| Biology | 3.4 | |
| Food Production | 3.4 | |
| Mechanical | 3.3 | |
| Geography | 3.2 | |
| Education and Training | 3.1 | |
| Chemistry | 3.0 |
Abilities
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.0 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 4.0 | |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.9 | |
| Written Expression | 3.9 | |
| Near Vision | 3.8 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.6 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.4 | |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.1 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.1 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.1 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.1 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.1 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.1 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Speaking | 3.8 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | |
| Writing | 3.5 | |
| Active Learning | 3.4 | |
| Mathematics | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.3 | |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
Transferable skills
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 | |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.1 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Tools & technology
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Typical entry-level education
- Associate's degree · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Preparation level
- SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences , Biological and Biomedical Sciences . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| Bachelor's Degree | 34.8% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 30.4% | |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 17.4% | |
| High School Diploma | 8.7% | |
| Some College Courses | 4.3% | |
| Master's Degree | 4.3% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Realistic | 6.5 | |
| Investigative | 5.4 | |
| Conventional | 5.0 |
Interest areas
| Agriculture | 5.6 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 4.8 | |
| Engineering | 4.4 | |
| Information Technology | 4.4 | |
| Mechanics/Electronics | 3.9 | |
| Nature/Outdoors | 3.8 | |
| Life Science | 3.4 | |
| Physical Science | 3.2 | |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | 2.8 |
Work styles
| Dependability | 4.0 | |
| Attention to Detail | 3.0 | |
| Innovation | 2.3 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 2.2 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $32,860 |
| 25th percentile | $38,480 |
| Median (50th) | $46,790 |
| 75th percentile | $59,370 |
| 90th percentile | $69,010 |
| People employed | 14,340 |
Wages and employment are reported by BLS for the broader occupation group this specialty belongs to (SOC 19-4012), not for the specialty alone.
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 4,990 | $45,070 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 3,950 | $50,650 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 1,450 | $45,890 |
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 1,300 | $42,690 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting · Sector | 1,080 | $40,420 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 850 | $45,810 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 420 | $46,260 |
| Retail Trade · Sector | 270 | $43,500 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 110 | $44,900 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 100 | $37,520 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 60 | $43,480 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation · Sector | 60 | $36,450 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Laboratories and Services · National industry | 82.03× | 1,300 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting · Sector | 27.43× | 1,080 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 4.98× | 4,990 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 3.11× | 3,950 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 2.58× | 1,450 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 1.61× | 420 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 0.72× | 850 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 0.24× | 100 |
Related occupations
Part of the Agriculture career cluster.
- Soil and Plant Scientists · 19-1013.00 Compare →
- Agricultural Engineers · 17-2021.00 Compare →
- Agricultural Technicians · 19-4012.00 Compare →
- Conservation Scientists · 19-1031.00 Compare →
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians · 19-4043.00 Compare →
- Industrial Ecologists · 19-2041.03 Compare →
- Forest and Conservation Technicians · 19-4071.00 Compare →
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers · 11-9013.00 Compare →
- Range Managers · 19-1031.02 Compare →
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health · 19-2041.00 Compare →
- Industrial Engineers · 17-2112.00 Compare →
- Hydrologic Technicians · 19-4044.00 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Precision Agriculture Technicians — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Associate's degree · typical entry level
- Job zone 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences · field of study
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Precision Agriculture Technicians show 59th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 2,900 annual U.S. openings
- Precision Agriculture Technicians rank in the 59th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 2,900 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be about average (+4.3%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $46,790, across about 14,340 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Precision Agriculture Technicians show 59th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 2,900 annual U.S. openings • Precision Agriculture Technicians rank in the 59th percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 2,900 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be about average (+4.3%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $46,790, across about 14,340 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Precision Agriculture Technicians". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4012-01 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Precision Agriculture Technicians." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4012-01
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Precision Agriculture Technicians. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4012-01
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-19-4012-01,
title = {Precision Agriculture Technicians},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-19-4012-01}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.