Also called: Plant Protection Inspector, Food Grading Inspector
Inspects crops, livestock, and imported food to stop pests and diseases and enforce quality rules.
Agricultural inspectors check shipments at ports for invasive bugs, grade fruit and eggs, and inspect farms. Catching one invasive beetle can save an entire forest or crop.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma; bachelor's in agriculture for some roles.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Agriculture, Biology, Entomology, Plant Science.
Growing about average. BLS agricultural inspectors (approx.).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI imaging helps scan cargo and grade produce; inspecting shipments and fields stays hands-on, with some routine grading automated.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to your state agriculture department or USDA for seasonal inspector or aide jobs First: Government hiring with a background check; some roles need ag classes or a degree
Classes: AP Biology, Agriscience, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2011.
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.