These various moving parts translate to a wide range of agribusiness careers to consider. According to a 2023 report from The Council for Community and Economic Research, 30 percent of American jobs and 18 percent of the nation’s economy are connected to agribusiness, either directly or indirectly.  

Those entering the field after earning an advanced degree in agribusiness have many paths to explore. Understanding key career options before graduation can help students choose a direction that best matches their interests. 

Agribusiness Degree at a Glance 

An advanced degree in agribusiness prepares students to move beyond introductory agribusiness concepts and into advanced agricultural leadership, strategy and decision-making. Common courses focus on high-level theories and practices, including: 

• Operations management  

• Risk management 

• Agricultural research 

• Policy development 

• Agribusiness marketing 

An agribusiness curriculum may include more specialized coursework, such as the future of agribusiness or international agriculture. Advanced courses often include externships that allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in supervised, real-world settings. 

According to Dr. Samantha Siemers, assistant professor of agriculture at Southeast Missouri State University, an advanced degree can serve as a bridge that connects students coming from urban areas with the country’s farmland—a connection that may have dissipated over time. 

“Most of the students in today’s agriculture classrooms are anywhere between two to three generations from the farm,” Siemers notes. “So maybe their great-grandparents had a farm, but their grandparents and parents are no longer there.” 

Siemers also highlights that enrolling in an advanced program can do more than prepare students for one of several agribusiness careers. It can also give them opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the planet.  

“These kids come in with a purpose and a reason, wanting to give back to something that gives the world so much,” she says. 

What Jobs Can You Get with an Agribusiness Degree? 

An advanced degree prepares students to pursue numerous agribusiness careers that can produce positive impacts on agriculture. Because of the wide scope associated with agribusiness—ranging from sales and human resources to crop science and environmental studies—these professions allow students to focus their careers on specific concepts and roles that align with their interests and long-term goals. 

Farm Manager 

Farm managers oversee the operations of a farm or farming enterprise. They analyze day-to-day operations involving crops, livestock, staff and finances, looking for inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Farm managers may also take a proactive role in equipment maintenance, materials stocking, soil testing, and crop and livestock inspections. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2024 median annual salary for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers, including farm managers, was $87,980. 

Research Investigator 

Research investigators conduct research on various farming operations to identify ways to improve quality, safety and production efficiency. Their work may focus on areas such as crop and livestock production, soil sustainability and farming technology. They also provide recommendations to support efficient, sustainable practices and may advise farmers on issues that affect productivity. According to the BLS, the 2024 median annual salary for agricultural and food scientists, including research investigators, was $78,770. 

Marketing Manager 

Marketing managers in the agriculture industry identify potential markets and clients for crops and livestock and develop targeted strategies for reaching those sales prospects. They develop pricing, promotional and advertising plans, and they work closely with product management, sales and public relations staff to maintain customer satisfaction and profitability. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for marketing managers, including agricultural marketing managers, was $161,030 as of 2024. 

Agronomist 

Agronomists are food scientists who specialize in optimizing crop care. They analyze crop growth to develop strategies focused on disease prevention and yield efficiency. They often act as a go-between for research investigators and farmers, collaborating on methods for developing, harvesting and distributing crops. Agronomists may also work with other researchers to analyze and interpret data from agricultural experiments and field studies. Payscale lists the median annual salary for agronomists at approximately $69,000 as of November 2025. 

Biotechnologist 

Biotechnologists study the scientific principles of agriculture to develop technologies and products that optimize and improve processes and address big-picture concepts such as global warming. They identify issues facing agriculture and work independently or as part of a team to develop, test and implement new products or technologies to address those issues. They may also write and publish research papers on emerging topics in the field. While biotechnologists can apply their craft to agriculture, they can also be found in other industries, such as pharmaceuticals or environmental engineering. Payscale lists the median annual salary for biotechnologists at approximately $74,000 as of October 2025. 

Make a Difference in the Critical Field of Agribusiness 

While various agribusiness careers can focus on specific elements of the agribusiness ecosystem, they’re united by the common goal of delivering food to people. The work they do in any capacity can be instrumental in helping families keep food on their tables. Given the essential nature of this end goal, an agribusiness career is a meaningful and important one to pursue. 

SEMO Online’s Master of Science in Agribusiness program can help prepare you to have a positive influence in this field, regardless of what career path you decide to take. It allows you to learn from seasoned faculty members who own farms or business operations, providing insights grounded in firsthand experience. The program also allows you to take on externships that provide opportunities to develop leadership traits needed to support meaningful contributions across the agricultural sector.  

Learn how SEMO Online can help prepare you to be a leader for the future. 

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

AgCareers.com, Marketing Manager Career Profile 
Betterteam, “Farm Manager Job Description” 
The Council for Community and Economic Research, “The Importance of Agribusiness in the United States” 
Indeed, “What Is a Biotechnologist and How to Become One” 
Indeed, “What Is Agribusiness? A Guide to the Agriculture Industry” 
Indeed, “What Is an Agronomist? Plus Duties and How to Become One” 
Investopedia, “Agribusiness: Definition, Challenges, and Market Forces Explained” 
Payscale, Average Agronomist Salary 
Payscale, Average Biotechnologist Salary 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers  
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Agricultural and Food Scientists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers