Also called: Agrivoltaic Systems Scientist, Solar Farm Agronomist
Studies how crops, sheep and pollinators can do well under and between solar panels, so the same land produces food and electricity.
You measure how much light reaches lettuce growing under a row of solar panels and compare it with an open field. Soil moisture sensors show the shade keeps the ground wetter. Later you meet a farmer and a solar developer to plan a bigger trial.
Estimated from university and national lab research pay.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's or PhD in agronomy, plant science or environmental science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Agronomy, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering.
Growing much faster than average. A small but fast-growing research field as solar farms spread onto farmland.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI helps analyze sensor data, but running field trials with farmers and plants stays hands-on.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Ag science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1013.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.