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Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Median Salary
83,770
Job Outlook
-2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Self-employed

75%

Private for profit

23%

Private not for profit

1%

State and local government

1%

Federal Government

0%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 88,500 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$49,120

10%

$83,770

Median

$108,230

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Animal Sciences, Other
  • Aquaculture
  • Animal Sciences, General
  • Poultry Science
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Horticultural Science
  • Agricultural Production Operations, General
  • Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
  • Plant Sciences, General
  • Agricultural Business and Management, General
  • Crop Production
  • Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
  • Ornamental Horticulture
  • Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management
  • Viticulture and Enology
  • Plant Nursery Operations and Management
  • Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General
  • Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
  • Dairy Science
  • Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management
  • Range Science and Management
  • Agricultural Business and Management, Other
  • Dairy Husbandry and Production
  • Agricultural Production Operations, Other
  • Public Horticulture
  • Animal Health
  • Greenhouse Operations and Management
  • Farm/Farm and Ranch Management
  • Agricultural Animal Breeding
  • Livestock Management
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Anthrozoology
  • Urban and Community Horticulture

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Production and Processing
  • Administration and Management
  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.