Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
SOC Code: 11-9013Also known as:
Accredited Farm Manager (AFM), Agricultural Crop Farm Manager, Agricultural Manager, Agriculture Farmer, Agriculture Manager
Median Annual Salary
$87,980
-1.3% growth (2024-2034)
86K
Openings/Year
836K
Current Jobs
What Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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.
💰 Salary
$87,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.3%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
86K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
5 years or more
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
836,100
Projected Employment (2034)
825,000
Related Careers
Agricultural engineers
$84,630 •
+5.9% growth
Soil and plant scientists
$71,410 •
+5.4% growth
Agricultural technicians
$46,790 •
+4.3% growth
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350 •
+4.1% growth
First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
$59,330 •
+2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
- Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
- Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
- Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
- Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
- Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
- Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
- Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
- Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
- Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
Degree Programs for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers:
Animal Sciences, General
7,535 degrees awarded •
124 colleges offer this program
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
3,573 degrees awarded •
174 colleges offer this program
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General
2,270 degrees awarded •
146 colleges offer this program
Agricultural Business and Management, General
2,188 degrees awarded •
131 colleges offer this program
Agronomy and Crop Science
1,201 degrees awarded •
63 colleges offer this program
Horticultural Science
903 degrees awarded •
50 colleges offer this program
Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
841 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Agricultural Production Operations, General
820 degrees awarded •
70 colleges offer this program
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
769 degrees awarded •
75 colleges offer this program
Plant Sciences, General
692 degrees awarded •
42 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers make?
The median annual salary for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is $87,980.
What education do farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers need?
Most farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Animal Sciences, General, Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations, Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General.
Is becoming farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers a good career choice?
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to see -1.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 85,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers?
Top colleges for aspiring farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers include
University of Florida, University of Georgia, Cornell University, Texas A & M University-College Station, North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers?
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers may also be known as: Accredited Farm Manager (AFM), Agricultural Crop Farm Manager, Agricultural Manager, Agriculture Farmer, Agriculture Manager, Agronomy Manager, Agronomy Operations Manager, Animal Husbandry Manager, Annual Greenhouse Manager, Aquaculture Cooperative Marketing Director, Aquaculture Director, Aquaculture Farm Manager, Aquaculture Program Director, Barn and Property Manager, Beef Farm Operator, Beekeeper, Christmas Tree Farm Manager, Crop or Livestock Tenant Farmer, Crop, Grain, or Livestock Farm Manager, Dairy Farm Manager.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.