Agricultural Inspectors
O*NET 45-2011.00 · SOC 45-2011
Agricultural Inspector is a solid career choice. Median pay is $50k a year with +2.3% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect fruits and vegetables for pest damage or disease.
- →Collect produce samples and send them to labs for testing.
- →Enforce federal and state agricultural regulations on farms.
- →Document inspection findings in official government reports.
- →Quarantine shipments that fail to meet safety standards.
Education & How to Get In
Agricultural Inspector roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Agricultural Inspector involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Agricultural Inspector?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Agricultural Inspector Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Agricultural Inspectors is projected to grow 2.3% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·29% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Agricultural Inspector make?
The median Agricultural Inspector earns $50k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Agricultural Inspector jobs?
Our model puts Agricultural Inspector at 54 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 47% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 29% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.
Is Agricultural Inspector a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Agricultural Inspector?
Most Agricultural Inspector roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Agricultural Inspector?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Agricultural Inspector career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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