The median pay for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers is $89,900 a year ($43.22/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 3.4% through 2035, with about 70,800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 11-9013
- Management
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Farmer or Agricultural Manager in four numbers
- Median pay
- $89,900a year, or $43.22/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $54KTop 10% $160K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -3.4%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−3.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −3.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 70,800788,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025788.7K
- Projected 2035762.2K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 788.7K Projected 2035 762.2K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Aquaculture Director, Farm Manager, Farm Operations Technical Director, Fish Hatchery Manager, Greenhouse Manager, Harvesting Manager.
Pay
How much do Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers make?
Every farmer or agricultural manager in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$89,900
Middle half earn $66,300 to $118,860
- 10th
- $54,320
- 25th
- $66,300
- 75th
- $118,860
- 90th
- $160,020
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $54,320 |
| 25th | $66,300 |
| Median | $89,900 |
| 75th | $118,860 |
| 90th | $160,020 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $89,900
- Median hourly wage
- $43.22/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $99,820
- People employed
- 6,500
Versus all US occupations
At $89,900, Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn 76% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $38,920 a year.
Versus management occupations
Inside the Management group, where the middle occupation pays $126,060, this is 29% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $160,020 or more while the bottom 10% earn $54,320, a gap of 2.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 66% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Nebraska pays the most at $111,460, and still leads at $123,703 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Nebraska | $111,460 | $123,703 | 200 |
| 2Montana | $110,250 | $116,488 | 30 |
| 3California | $109,140 | $98,573 | 1,650 |
| 4Washington | $103,240 | $96,474 | 140 |
| 5Kansas | $102,490 | $113,792 | 40 |
| 6Illinois | $99,440 | $99,482 | 120 |
| 7Georgia | $95,900 | $99,592 | 50 |
| 8Mississippi | $95,210 | $109,496 | 80 |
| 9New York | $89,370 | $82,811 | 130 |
| 10Florida | $87,080 | $84,205 | 320 |
Job outlook
Is Farmer or Agricultural Manager a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -3.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | −3.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers to change -3.4% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 26,500 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 70,800 openings are projected each year, 9.0% of the 788,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Over the past several decades, increased efficiencies in crop production have led to consolidation and fewer, but larger, farms. This means that fewer farmers are needed to produce the same agricultural output. In addition, as farms become larger, they invest more in productivity-enhancing technologies, reinforcing this effect.
Despite steady demand for agricultural products, many small farms operate with slim profit margins and are vulnerable to poor market conditions. As in the past, operators of small farms will likely continue to exit the business over the decade.
Getting in
How to become a Farmer or Agricultural Manager
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically need at least a high school diploma and work experience in a related occupation.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
5 years or more
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a Farmer or Agricultural Manager do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Day-to-day tasks
- Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
- Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
- Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
- Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
- Coordinate clerical, record-keeping, inventory, requisitioning, and marketing activities.
- Maintain financial, operational, production, or employment records for farms or ranches.
- Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
- Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. Farm work is often seasonal, and the number of hours worked may change according to the season. Farmers and farm managers on crop farms usually work from sunrise to sunset during the planting and harvesting seasons. During the rest of the year, they plan the next season’s crops, market their output, and repair and maintain machinery. Managers of greenhouses, nurseries, or farms that operate in mild or temperate climates may work year round.
On livestock-producing farms and ranches, work goes on throughout the year. Animals must be fed and cared for every day.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather at least weekly.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Self-employed workers67%
- Crop production18%
- Animal production and aquaculture12%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 67% |
| Crop production | 18% |
| Animal production and aquaculture | 12% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Reading Comprehension3.8
- Speaking3.6
- Active Learning3.4
- Monitoring3.4
- Writing3.3
- Mathematics2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.8 |
| Speaking | 3.6 |
| Active Learning | 3.4 |
| Monitoring | 3.4 |
| Writing | 3.3 |
| Mathematics | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.6
- Management of Personnel Resources3.6
- Coordination3.5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.5
- Social Perceptiveness3.4
- Time Management3.4
- Persuasion3.1
- Negotiation3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.6 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | 3.6 |
| Coordination | 3.5 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.5 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.4 |
| Time Management | 3.4 |
| Persuasion | 3.1 |
| Negotiation | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Web page creation and editing software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Accounting software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Farmer or Agricultural Manager?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Farmer or Agricultural Manager |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 6 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around leading, persuading, selling and making decisions, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Enterprising5.5
- Realistic5.2
- Conventional4.5
- Investigative2.7
- Social2.6
- Artistic1.1
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Farmer or Agricultural Manager
O*NET related occupations
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Architecture and Engineering
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
First-Line Supervisor of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
$59,320median a year
Most earn $39K to $92K
+3.8%High school - Educational Instruction and Library
Agricultural Sciences Teacher, Postsecondary
$98,700median a year
Most earn $51K to $163K
+2.9%Doctorate - Management
More management careers
Median annual pay, with farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers highlighted
- IT Manager$175,140
- Marketing Manager$166,790
- Financial Manager$166,570
- Human Resources Manager$149,280
- Sales Manager$148,270
- Construction Manager$114,990
- Supply Chain Manager$107,230
- Farmer or Agricultural Manager$89,900
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Manager$69,990
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| IT Manager | $175,140 |
| Marketing Manager | $166,790 |
| Financial Manager | $166,570 |
| Human Resources Manager | $149,280 |
| Sales Manager | $148,270 |
| Construction Manager | $114,990 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $107,230 |
| Farmer or Agricultural Manager | $89,900 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Manager | $69,990 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Farmer or Agricultural Manager appears on
Questions
Farmer or Agricultural Manager: frequently asked questions
How much do Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers make?
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $89,900 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 76% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $43.22/hr. The middle half earn between $66,300 and $118,860. The top 10% earn $160,020 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Farmer or Agricultural Manager?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers. Employers typically expect 5 years or more of related work experience first.
Is Farmer or Agricultural Manager a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 3.4% over 2025–2035, a loss of 26,500 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 70,800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Farmer or Agricultural Manager do?
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products. A core O*NET task: collect and record growth, production, and environmental data. Employers most often ask for Cloud-based data access and sharing software, Data base user interface and query software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers the most?
The highest state medians for Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers are Nebraska ($111,460), Montana ($110,250), California ($109,140) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Farmer or Agricultural Manager?
O*NET scores Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers highest on the Enterprising, Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes leading, persuading, selling and making decisions with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ESTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.