Soil Scientist
40AI EXPOSURE TODAY40
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST78%
NOT A FORECAST78%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYC
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Soil Scientist
Soil scientists study the soil beneath our feet to help farms grow food and to protect the environment. They test and analyze soil to work out what it needs and how to look after it properly.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Soil ScientistIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior scientists in collecting soil samples and conducting basic analyses. You will gain hands-on experience in the field and laboratory, learning the fundamentals of soil science.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Soil ScientistAt this stage, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and collaborating with farmers and stakeholders. You will analyse complex data sets and develop recommendations for soil management.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Soil Scientist/Head of Soil ResearchIn a senior role, you will oversee research projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to policy development regarding soil conservation. Your expertise will shape sustainable practices at a national level.£55,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Human Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,500 median
🎓Biochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,000 median
🎓Biomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
All Biological Sciences courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L7Soil scientist24 months typicalnot published
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · DegreeHuman Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · DegreeBiochemistryThe University of Leeds · DegreeBiochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeHuman BiologyQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeBiomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · Degree