Soil Scientist
40AI USED FOR40%moving to78%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Soil Scientist
Soil scientists study the soil beneath our feet to help farms grow food and to protect the environment. They test and analyze soil to work out what it needs and how to look after it properly.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Soil ScientistIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior scientists in collecting soil samples and conducting basic analyses. You will gain hands-on experience in the field and laboratory, learning the fundamentals of soil science.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Soil ScientistAt this stage, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and collaborating with farmers and stakeholders. You will analyse complex data sets and develop recommendations for soil management.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Soil Scientist/Head of Soil ResearchIn a senior role, you will oversee research projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to policy development regarding soil conservation. Your expertise will shape sustainable practices at a national level.£55,000+
4 live apprenticeship vacancies →
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Human Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,500 median
🎓Biochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,000 median
🎓Biomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
All Biological Sciences courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L7Soil scientist24 months typicalnot published
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · DegreeHuman Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · DegreeBiochemistryThe University of Leeds · DegreeBiochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeHuman BiologyQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeBiomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · Degree