Precision Agriculture Technicians
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.
- O*NET-SOC code
19-4012.01 - Preparation Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Wages
BLS doesn't publish wages for Precision Agriculture Technicians separately. These are the figures for Agricultural Technicians (19-4012), its parent occupation.
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,980 | $40,950 | $49,630 | $63,630 | $76,480 |
By state (40)
| State | Employment | Median annual | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $62,990 | ||
| Arkansas | 260 | $46,750 | 2.02 |
| California | 2,420 | $60,320 | 1.37 |
| Colorado | 100 | $47,020 | 0.34 |
| Delaware | $52,510 | ||
| Florida | 240 | $42,700 | 0.25 |
| Georgia | 1,020 | $48,960 | 2.15 |
| Hawaii | 150 | $47,960 | 2.39 |
| Idaho | 650 | $48,870 | 7.81 |
| Illinois | 700 | $46,410 | 1.17 |
| Indiana | 410 | $46,170 | 1.31 |
| Iowa | $64,070 | ||
| Kansas | 450 | $47,200 | 3.24 |
| Kentucky | 210 | $59,860 | 1.05 |
| Maine | 50 | $47,410 | 0.81 |
| Maryland | 200 | $49,680 | 0.74 |
| Michigan | 450 | $42,780 | 1.05 |
| Minnesota | 530 | $57,310 | 1.84 |
| Mississippi | 190 | $48,800 | 1.67 |
| Missouri | 420 | $54,060 | 1.47 |
| Nebraska | 580 | $47,420 | 5.85 |
| Nevada | 40 | $43,590 | 0.26 |
| New Hampshire | 30 | $42,520 | 0.49 |
| New Jersey | $54,370 | ||
| New York | 380 | $45,830 | 0.41 |
| North Carolina | 550 | $51,470 | 1.14 |
| North Dakota | 100 | $46,960 | 2.43 |
| Ohio | 140 | Not available | 0.26 |
| Oklahoma | $37,840 | ||
| Oregon | 480 | $46,800 | 2.51 |
| Pennsylvania | 110 | $48,800 | 0.19 |
| South Carolina | 100 | $41,290 | 0.44 |
| South Dakota | 350 | $41,420 | 7.78 |
| Tennessee | 60 | $45,130 | 0.20 |
| Texas | 120 | $50,270 | 0.09 |
| Utah | 40 | $46,560 | 0.23 |
| Virginia | 170 | $41,210 | 0.43 |
| Washington | 470 | $48,220 | 1.36 |
| Wisconsin | 620 | $46,470 | 2.17 |
| Wyoming | 30 | $63,120 | 1.26 |
Similar occupations
Similarity is our measure: the cosine of importance x level over all 120 O*NET skills, knowledge areas and abilities. It is not an O*NET finding. More.
Circles are the 20 most similar occupations, coloured by Job Zone. Lines join pairs where one is among the other's 10 most similar; darker lines are pairs O*NET also lists as related. Drag a circle to move it out of the way; select one to open it.
| # | Occupation | Job Zone | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | 4 | 0.964 |
| 2 | Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 4 | 0.954 |
| 3 | Soil and Plant Scientists | 5 | 0.953 |
| 4 | Energy Auditors | 3 | 0.953 |
| 5 | Conservation Scientists | 4 | 0.952 |
| 6 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | 4 | 0.951 |
| 7 | Food Scientists and Technologists | 4 | 0.948 |
| 8 | Forest and Conservation Technicians | 3 | 0.944 |
| 9 | Agricultural Technicians | 3 | 0.943 |
| 10 | Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 1-2 | 0.942 |
One skill away
Among the 50 occupations most similar to Precision Agriculture Technicians, those at the same Job Zone or lower, where exactly one skill rated at least 3 in importance needs a level more than 0.75 points higher (on O*NET's 0-7 level scale). Our definition. Change the thresholds.
| Occupation | Skill to build | Level gap | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | Quality Control Analysis | 1.12 | 0.942 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | Repairing | 1.00 | 0.937 |
| Agricultural Inspectors | Quality Control Analysis | 1.00 | 0.935 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | Management of Personnel Resources | 1.50 | 0.933 |
| Traffic Technicians | Management of Personnel Resources | 0.76 | 0.932 |
| Quality Control Analysts | Quality Control Analysis | 1.12 | 0.931 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Technology Design | 2.50 | 0.931 |
Software to learn next
Software used by at least 3 of the 20 occupations most similar to Precision Agriculture Technicians, excluding software Precision Agriculture Technicians already lists and any you named. Ranked by how many of them use it, weighted by how much more common it is among them than across all occupations (lift). Our ranking.
| Software | Similar jobs using it | Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic information system GIS software | 7 of 20 | 4.6x |
| Geomechanical design analysis GDA software | 4 of 20 | 13.2x |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | 10 of 20 | 2.7x |
| Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP | 5 of 20 | 4.7x |
| Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE | 3 of 20 | 9.2x |
| SAP software | 11 of 20 | 1.8x |
| Statistical software | 3 of 20 | 3.5x |
| SAS | 5 of 20 | 1.9x |
| Database software | 6 of 20 | 1.7x |
| National Instruments LabVIEW | 3 of 20 | 2.2x |
Skills
From O*NET data. Importance is rated 1 to 5 and level 0 to 7.
| Skill | Type | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Essential skill | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Active Listening | Essential skill | 3.75 | 3.88 |
| Critical Thinking | Essential skill | 3.75 | 3.62 |
| Speaking | Essential skill | 3.75 | 3.50 |
| Writing | Essential skill | 3.50 | 3.50 |
| Active Learning | Essential skill | 3.38 | 3.75 |
| Complex Problem Solving | Transferable skill | 3.38 | 3.25 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | Transferable skill | 3.25 | 3.50 |
| Monitoring | Essential skill | 3.25 | 3.50 |
| Mathematics | Essential skill | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Systems Analysis | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Systems Evaluation | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Coordination | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Learning Strategies | Essential skill | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Time Management | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 2.88 |
| Operation and Control | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Operations Monitoring | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Operations Analysis | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Science | Essential skill | 2.88 | 2.62 |
| Service Orientation | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 3.12 |
| Persuasion | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 3.00 |
| Social Perceptiveness | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 3.00 |
| Instructing | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 2.88 |
| Quality Control Analysis | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.88 |
| Negotiation | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.62 |
| Troubleshooting | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.38 |
| Equipment Maintenance | Transferable skill | 2.50 | 2.38 |
| Repairing | Transferable skill | 2.38 | 2.12 |
| Programming | Transferable skill | 2.38 | 1.88 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | Transferable skill | 2.25 | 2.12 |
| Equipment Selection | Transferable skill | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Installation | Transferable skill | 1.88 | 1.38 |
| Management of Material Resources | Transferable skill | 1.88 | 1.00 |
| Management of Financial Resources | Transferable skill | 1.75 | 0.75 |
| Technology Design | Transferable skill | 1.62 | 0.75 |
Knowledge (33) and abilities (52)
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.17 | 4.83 |
| Computers and Electronics | 4.09 | 4.91 |
| Sales and Marketing | 3.52 | 4.26 |
| Mathematics | 3.48 | 4.39 |
| English Language | 3.48 | 3.78 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.43 | 3.83 |
| Biology | 3.39 | 3.74 |
| Food Production | 3.35 | 4.26 |
| Mechanical | 3.30 | 4.09 |
| Geography | 3.23 | 4.09 |
| Education and Training | 3.09 | 3.87 |
| Chemistry | 3.04 | 3.83 |
| Production and Processing | 3.00 | 3.48 |
| Telecommunications | 2.71 | 2.74 |
| Administrative | 2.70 | 3.57 |
| Physics | 2.70 | 2.82 |
| Transportation | 2.68 | 3.04 |
| Administration and Management | 2.65 | 3.30 |
| Design | 2.65 | 2.96 |
| Public Safety and Security | 2.59 | 2.39 |
| Economics and Accounting | 2.57 | 2.70 |
| Communications and Media | 2.52 | 2.57 |
| Law and Government | 2.39 | 2.30 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | 2.30 | 2.52 |
| Psychology | 2.14 | 2.09 |
| Building and Construction | 2.13 | 2.22 |
| Foreign Language | 1.96 | 1.61 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 1.64 | 1.18 |
| History and Archeology | 1.48 | 1.09 |
| Therapy and Counseling | 1.41 | 0.96 |
| Philosophy and Theology | 1.39 | 0.91 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | 1.32 | not rated |
| Fine Arts | 1.17 | not rated |
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Inductive Reasoning | 4.00 | 4.12 |
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Oral Comprehension | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Oral Expression | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Written Comprehension | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| Written Expression | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| Near Vision | 3.75 | 3.75 |
| Information Ordering | 3.62 | 3.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.38 | 3.75 |
| Category Flexibility | 3.12 | 3.62 |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.12 | 3.62 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Visualization | 3.00 | 3.50 |
| Number Facility | 3.00 | 3.25 |
| Control Precision | 3.00 | 3.12 |
| Far Vision | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Originality | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Selective Attention | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speech Recognition | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speed of Closure | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.00 | 2.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | 3.00 | 2.62 |
| Multilimb Coordination | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Finger Dexterity | 2.75 | 2.88 |
| Memorization | 2.75 | 2.88 |
| Time Sharing | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Reaction Time | 2.50 | 1.88 |
| Spatial Orientation | 2.25 | 2.25 |
| Trunk Strength | 2.25 | 2.12 |
| Auditory Attention | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Depth Perception | 2.12 | 2.12 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Response Orientation | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Static Strength | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Extent Flexibility | 2.00 | 1.75 |
| Wrist-Finger Speed | 2.00 | 1.75 |
| Stamina | 2.00 | 1.62 |
| Rate Control | 1.88 | 1.75 |
| Gross Body Coordination | 1.88 | 1.38 |
| Glare Sensitivity | 1.88 | 1.25 |
| Peripheral Vision | 1.88 | 1.00 |
| Dynamic Strength | 1.75 | 0.88 |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | 1.75 | 0.75 |
| Night Vision | 1.62 | 0.75 |
| Sound Localization | 1.62 | 0.62 |
| Explosive Strength | 1.25 | not rated |
| Speed of Limb Movement | 1.25 | not rated |
| Dynamic Flexibility | 1.00 | not rated |
Software used
Examples from O*NET data. "Hot" and "in demand" are O*NET flags for technologies often listed in job postings.
- Microsoft Excel in demand
- Microsoft Office software in demand
- Microsoft Outlook in demand
- Microsoft Word in demand
- ESRI ArcGIS software hot
- Microsoft Access hot
- Microsoft PowerPoint hot
- Microsoft Windows hot
- AGCO GTA Software Suite
- Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced
- ESRI ArcPad
- ESRI ArcView
- Farm Works Site Pro
- GeoAgro GIS
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- Global positioning system GPS software
- John Deere Apex Farm Management
- MapShots EASi Suite
- Novariant AutoFarm AF Viewer
- SST Development Group SSToolbox
- Trimble AgGPS EZ-Map
- Trimble AgGPS MultiPlane
- Web browser software
Where it concentrates
BLS doesn't publish wages for Precision Agriculture Technicians separately. These are the figures for Agricultural Technicians (19-4012), its parent occupation.
Metro areas ranked by BLS location quotient: the occupation's share of the area's jobs divided by its share of all US jobs. Above 1 means more concentrated than the nation. Metros employing fewer than 100 are left out.
| Metro area | Employment | Location quotient | Median annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 140 | 25.16 | $48,430 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 120 | 24.52 | $46,280 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 140 | 17.94 | $40,540 |
| Madison, WI | 250 | 6.25 | $47,030 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 120 | 5.60 | $64,790 |
| Modesto, CA | 100 | 5.50 | $49,730 |
| Boise City, ID | 210 | 5.49 | $49,220 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 460 | 4.35 | $62,680 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | 160 | 3.39 | $38,030 |
| Fresno, CA | 150 | 3.17 | $52,160 |