Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
O*NET 11-9013.00 · SOC 11-9013
Farmer is a risky career choice. Median pay is $90k a year with -3.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 70,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Plan planting and harvesting schedules based on seasonal conditions
- →Monitor crop or livestock health and arrange veterinary or pest control
- →Purchase seeds, fertilizers, feed, and farming equipment as needed
- →Hire and supervise farmworkers during planting and harvest seasons
- →Track farm income and expenses to manage annual operating budgets
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Farmer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Farmer? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Farmer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Farmer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Farmer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers is projected to decline 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·28% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Farmer make?
The median Farmer earns $90k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Farmer jobs?
Our model puts Farmer at 35 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 28% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Farmer a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 3.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 70,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Farmer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Farmer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Farmer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Farmer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes