Agriculture
The Agriculture Career Cluster concentrates on scientific advancement of agriscience, cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products, employing advanced technologies and sustainable practices to optimize global food systems.
What this cluster covers
- Definition
- The Agriculture Career Cluster concentrates on scientific advancement of agriscience, cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products, employing advanced technologies and sustainable practices to optimize global food systems. This Cluster also supports other plant- and animal-based industries including regenerative agriculture, sustainable logging, and fisheries. This Cluster has meaningful connections with the Energy and Natural Resources Cluster, highlighting a symbiotic relationship that emphasizes stewardship and resilient communities.
Advance CTE
Agriculture Career ClusterAdvance CTE- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Careers in this cluster
Entry education, license and BLS pay and outlook for every career page in this cluster. Each career page shows what the job is and links its step-by-step roadmap.
| Career | Typical entry | License | Median pay, May 2025 | Outlook 2025–35 | Career page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer, Rancher & Agricultural Manager Agribusiness |
High school diploma or equivalent | None | $89,900 Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers |
−3% BLSFarmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Farmer, Rancher & Agricultural Manager |
| Agricultural & Food Scientist Food Science & Processing |
Bachelor's degree | Some states (plant and soil scientists) | $81,970 Agricultural and food scientists |
+6% BLSAgricultural and Food Scientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Agricultural & Food Scientist |
| Veterinarian Animal Systems |
Doctoral or professional degree | Required Veterinary license |
$130,100 Veterinarians |
+9% BLSVeterinarians — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Veterinarian |
| Veterinary Technologist & Technician Animal Systems |
Associate's degree | Most states (VTNE) | $47,380 Veterinary technologists and technicians |
+9% BLSVeterinary Technologists and Technicians — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
|
Open: Veterinary Technologist & Technician |
Pay is the BLS median for the occupation named under it, for May 2025; half of workers earned more, half less. For comparison, BLS projects all U.S. jobs to grow 3.5% over 2025–35. The career's sub-cluster comes from Advance CTE's SOC crosswalk.
Also in this cluster
Advance CTE places some occupations in more than one cluster. These careers have their page under another cluster, and the crosswalk puts them here too.
- Forester & Conservation Scientist Conservation & Land Management
Sub-clusters and example programs
Major groupings of career areas within a given field that have similar skills as defined by industry area. The programs are Advance CTE's examples of school and college programs of study; what is offered varies by state.
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Agribusiness
Careers focused on the economic aspects of agriculture, encompassing farm and rangeland management, agribusiness finance, international relations, supply chain management, and other functions that are essential for agricultural profitability.
Example programs Agribusiness · Agricultural Policy · Agricultural Finance
-
Agricultural Technology & Automation
Careers at the intersection of agriculture and technology, focusing on the design and operation of agricultural equipment and systems; repair and maintenance of agricultural equipment; and agricultural engineering, mechanics, and automation processes.
Example programs Agricultural Technology · Precision Agriculture · Urban Farming · Agricultural Mechanics
-
Animal Systems
Careers that both promote the health and well-being of animals, including companion, livestock, and exotic animals, and facilitate the efficient production of animal-related products within the food system.
Example programs Animal Nutrition · Livestock Management · Veterinary Science
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Food Science & Processing
Careers centered on applying scientific and technological principles to the development, enhancement, processing, and usability of agricultural food products.
Example programs Food Science · Meat Science · Sustainable Food & Farming
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Plant Systems
Careers involving the study and management of plant growth, soil health, and pest management, focusing on sustainable crop production for both food and goods.
Example programs Horticulture · Forestry · Plant Science · Floriculture
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Water Systems
Careers centered on the effective management and use of water resources in agricultural settings, including precision irrigation, aquaculture, and fisheries.
Example programs Aquaculture · Marine Biology
Closely connected clusters
Advance CTE, from national labor market data: this cluster is most closely connected to these clusters. Advance CTE
View source
- Construction
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
- Supply Chain & Transportation
Every cluster with its sub-clusters, and which hubs are open.