Develop a hardier type of camelia with bigger, brighter blooms. Improve disease-resistance of ornamental and edible plants. Cultivate a new biofuel with sustainable goals in mind. If this sounds exciting, you may enjoy a career as a plant breeder or plant geneticist.
If you pursue this career, you will most likely do the following:
To build this career, you need to understand horticultural science basics and have good research, documentation and presentation skills.
Those working in these positions earn a national median salary of $62,300 and a state median salary of $64,140 (as of 2016).
Job opportunities in the industry are growing at a rate of 5-8%, with North Carolina leading the way with a job opportunity growth rate of 16.2%.
Wondering how to become a plant breeder or plant geneticist? These positions require, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Approximately a third require a master’s degree, and close to 20% require a doctoral degree.
There are many different types of related plant breeder or plant geneticist jobs to choose from. The following are just a few of the common job titles graduates of horticultural science programs qualify for:
Explore plant breeding job opportunities.
Use your skills and knowledge to make beautiful plants grow. Jumpstart your career by applying to a horticultural science certificate or program today.