"Plant genetic engineer" is a popular term that describes scientists working in any of several fields who manipulate DNA or organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria in plant cells. The specific titles of such a scientist can include plant physiologist, plant pathologist, weed scientist, cell biologist, botanist, molecular biologist, plant geneticist, and biochemist. The typical career path is to earn a doctorate in any of these fields, and then to go to work in industry, for the government, or in academia.

Jobs that involve genetic manipulation of plants are also available at the technician level. This requires a bachelor's or master's degree in any of the fields listed above. As of 2001, the median salary for an academic life scientist is $42,000, and for a scientist in industry, $70,000. Technician salaries begin at about $25,000. Government salaries are similar to academic compensation.

Scientists work with plant genes in...