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Credentials that raise your pay

• Certified Crop Adviser

  The standard badge in the field. Two exams, an ethics pledge, and continuing education every year.

• State pesticide applicator license

  Required in every state to recommend or apply restricted-use chemicals for hire.

• Remote pilot certificate

  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 test lets you fly a drone commercially over fields. About $175 and a day of study.

• Precision agriculture skills

  Yield maps, variable-rate seeding and soil sampling software. The fastest-growing part of the job.