Salary
Average Salary: $58,610
Expected Lifetime Earnings: $2,446,850
The median salary for all farm research scientists is close to $60,000 per year. But what you earn can vary wildly; it depends on who you work for and where you're working (source).
While many farm research scientists start off working for a food processing company and make in the mid-$30,000 range per year, a similar job working for the federal government pays just over $50,000 (source). That's a huge difference. But, there are far fewer entry-level jobs with the federal government in this area, and private sector jobs are more likely to include bonuses. So, simply looking at base salary doesn't tell the whole story.
For reasons that aren't clear, the state of Nevada has the highest average salary for farm research scientists, at just over $143,000 per year. Compare that to $55,000 for Nebraska (a well-known farming state) food scientists and, well, we're kind of scratching our heads over here (source).
Despite the disparity, there are lots of farm research jobs across this great big nation of ours, which means job opportunities near to wherever you are. From pineapple ranches in Hawaii to commercial catfish farming in North Carolina, farm research scientists can find a subject to study.
A farm research scientist may work outside in all kinds of weather, or may work inside a food manufacturing plant or a research laboratory. One day you could be outside collecting samples in jeans and boots, only to spend to the next several days or weeks inside a lab testing growing methods or safer pesticides. It isn't glamorous, but it's a solid job with good benefits and the chance to make a positive impact on the world food supply.
Another good thing about this field is there are no worries your job will become obsolete. Sure, you'll have to start at the bottom and pay your dues all the way up, but you can bet there'll always be a need for better, safer food.