Also called: Tree Fruit Scientist, Horticultural Research Scientist
Studies how to grow better apples, peaches, cherries, and other fruit, from new varieties to orchard design.
A pomologist might spend the morning in a research orchard measuring frost damage on blossoms, then analyze data on which rootstock produces the sweetest fruit. They visit growers, run field days, and publish research that shapes how America's orchards are planted.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. Bachelor's in horticulture or plant science, then usually a PhD.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy.
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 19-1013: Much faster than average (7% or higher).
Low risk for 10 years. AI speeds genomic selection and orchard image analysis; breeding plans and years-long field trials stay human.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, AP Statistics, Horticulture CTE.
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.