Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 50 | $87,730 | $42.18 | |
| Arkansas | 40 | $56,610 | $27.22 | |
| California | 1,260 | $91,590 | $44.03 | |
| Colorado | 60 | $104,500 | $50.24 | |
| Florida | 290 | $92,690 | $44.56 | |
| Hawaii | 60 | $94,350 | $45.36 | |
| Idaho | 320 | $62,450 | $30.03 | |
| Illinois | 90 | $90,750 | $43.63 | |
| Indiana | 80 | $63,100 | $30.34 | |
| Kansas | $57,250 | $27.52 | ||
| Kentucky | 160 | $60,460 | $29.07 | |
| Louisiana | 60 | $83,480 | $40.13 | |
| Maryland | 140 | $89,030 | $42.80 | |
| Massachusetts | 70 | $65,590 | $31.54 | |
| Michigan | 190 | $68,700 | $33.03 | |
| Minnesota | 100 | $80,700 | $38.80 | |
| Mississippi | 40 | $46,020 | $22.12 | |
| Missouri | 100 | $68,130 | $32.75 | |
| Montana | 40 | $83,970 | $40.37 | |
| Nebraska | 210 | $70,260 | $33.78 | |
| New Jersey | 40 | $116,110 | $55.82 | |
| New York | 160 | $84,270 | $40.51 | |
| North Carolina | 100 | $82,260 | $39.55 | |
| North Dakota | 60 | $107,300 | $51.59 | |
| Oklahoma | 130 | $58,380 | $28.07 | |
| Oregon | 150 | $71,420 | $34.34 | |
| Pennsylvania | $74,290 | $35.72 | ||
| Tennessee | 80 | $76,470 | $36.76 | |
| Texas | 370 | $64,780 | $31.15 | |
| Virginia | 30 | $59,730 | $28.72 | |
| Washington | 100 | $77,700 | $37.36 | |
| Wisconsin | 40 | $74,800 | $35.96 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.
A program that prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations. Includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and other managerial responsibilities.
A program that prepares individuals to manage farms, ranches, and similar enterprises. Includes instruction in applicable agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, taxation, capitalization, purchasing, government programs and regulations, operational planning and budgeting, contracts and negotiation, and estate planning.
Any instructional program in agricultural business and management not listed above.
A program that focuses on the general planning, economics, and use of facilities, natural resources, equipment, labor, and capital to produce plant and animal products, and that may prepare individuals for work in farming, ranching, and agribusiness.
A program that prepares individuals to select, breed, care for, process, and market livestock and small farm animals. Includes instruction in basic animal science, animal nutrition, and animal health as applied to various species and breeds; design and operation of housing, feeding, and processing facilities; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.
A program that prepares individuals to select, culture, propagate, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater. Includes instruction in the basic principles of aquatic and marine biology; health and nutrition of aquatic and marine life; design and operation of fish farms, breeding facilities, culture beds, and related enterprises; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.
A program that prepares individuals to cultivate grain, fiber, forage, oilseed, fruits and nuts, vegetables, and other domesticated plant products. Includes instruction in basic principles of plant science, health, and nutrition as applied to particular species and breeds; soil preparation and irrigation; pest management; planting and harvesting operations; product marketing; and applicable issues of safety, regulation, logistics, and supply.
A program that prepares individuals to manage the selection and care of dairy animals and associated dairy farm and processing facilities and operations. Includes instruction in basic animal and dairy science; dairy animal nutrition and health; design and operation of dairy housing, feeding, and processing facilities and equipment; and related issues of safety, sanitation, shipping and handling, and applicable regulations.
A program that prepares individuals to manage the selection, breeding, care, and maintenance of work, athletic, and show horses; and to manage horse farms, stables, tracks and related equipment and operations. Includes instruction in applicable principles of animal science, care, and health; stable and track management; design and operation of facilities and equipment; and related issues such as regulations, business management; and logistics.
A program that focuses on agricultural principles and practices that, over the long term, enhance environmental quality, make efficient use of nonrenewable resources, integrate natural biological cycles and controls, and are economically viable and socially responsible; and that may prepare individuals to apply this knowledge to the solution of agricultural and environmental problems. Includes instruction in principles of agroecology, crop and soil sciences, entomology, horticulture, animal science, weed science and management, soil fertility and nutrient cycling, applied ecology, agricultural economics, and rangeland ecology and watershed management.
A program that focuses on the general production and processing of domesticated plants, shrubs, flowers, foliage, trees, groundcovers, and related plant materials; the management of technical and business operations connected with horticultural services; and the basic scientific principles needed to understand plants and their management and care.
A program that focuses on domesticated plants and plant materials used for decorative and recreational applications and prepares individuals to breed, grow, and utilize ornamental plant varieties for commercial and aesthetic purposes. Includes instruction in applicable plant science subjects, the environmental design and artistic aspects of horticultural product usage, and the management of horticultural operations.
A program that prepares individuals to produce, store, and deliver plant species in controlled indoor environments for wholesale, commercial, research, or other purposes. Includes instruction in applicable principles of plant science; climate, irrigation, and nutrition control equipment operation and maintenance; facilities management; inventory control; safety procedures; and personnel supervision.
A program that prepares individuals to operate and manage outdoor plant farms, tree and shrub nurseries, and related facilities that develop domesticated plant products for propagation, harvesting, and transplantation. Includes instruction in applicable principles of plant science, farm and business management, nursery operations, equipment operation and maintenance, safety procedures, and personnel supervision.
A general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. Includes instruction in the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
A program that focuses on the application of genetics and genetic engineering to the improvement of agricultural animal health, the development of new animal breeds, and the selective improvement of agricultural animal populations. Includes instruction in genetics, genetic engineering, population genetics, animal health, animal husbandry, and biotechnology.
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the study, prevention, and control of diseases in agricultural animal populations. Includes instruction in environmental science, pharmacology, animal population studies, genetics, animal physiology and diet, disease prevention, treatment methodologies, and laboratory and testing procedures.
A program that focuses on the biology and chemistry of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, vitamins, and feed additives as related to animal health and the production of improved animal products. Includes instruction in nutrition science, animal health and physiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, animal husbandry, and food science.
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products. Includes instruction in animal sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of livestock animals and the production and handling of meat and other products. Includes instruction in animal sciences, range science, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of poultry animals and the production and handling of poultry products. Includes instruction in avian sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, hatchery design, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
Any instructional program in the animal sciences not listed above.
A program that focuses on the application of scientific and agribusiness principles to the production of grapes, the making of wine, and the wine business. Includes instruction in grapes and wines of the world; grape production; winemaking technology; plant biology; chemistry; food science, safety, and packaging; soil science; pest management; and marketing and business management.
A general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding, cultivation, and production of agricultural plants, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural plant products. Includes instruction in the plant sciences, crop cultivation and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
A program that focuses on the chemical, physical, and biological relationships of crops and the soils nurturing them. Includes instruction in the growth and behavior of agricultural crops, the development of new plant varieties, and the scientific management of soils and nutrients for maximum plant nutrition, health, and productivity.
A program that focuses on the scientific principles related to the cultivation of garden and ornamental plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscape and nursery crops. Includes instruction in specific types of plants, such as citrus; breeding horticultural varieties; physiology of horticultural species; and the scientific management of horticultural plant development and production through the life cycle.
A program that focuses on the application of scientific principles to the control of animal, insect and weed infestation of domesticated plant populations and other settings, including agricultural crops; the prevention/reduction of attendant economic loss; and the control of environmental pollution and degradation related to pest infestation and pest control measures. Includes instruction in entomology, applicable animal sciences, plant pathology and physiology, weed science, crop science, and environmental toxicology.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of rangelands, arid regions, grasslands, and other areas of low productivity, as well as the principles of managing such resources for maximum benefit and environmental balance. Includes instruction in livestock management, wildlife biology, plant sciences, ecology, soil science, and hydrology.
A program of study that combines anthropology and zoology in order to examine the relationship between animals and humans. Includes instruction in animal behavior and communication, animal welfare, animal conservation, animal training, animal-assisted therapy techniques, biology, ethics, and education.
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$78,440 per yearNational average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
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High school diploma or equivalentTypical education requirement
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5 years or moreTypical experience requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.
- Less than high school 11%
- High school graduate 32%
- College dropout 20%
- Associate’s degree 11%
- Bachelor’s degree 21%
- Master’s degree 4%
- Doctorate degree 1%
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