Aptly
Careers · Business and financial operations

Farm Labor Contractors

Farm labor contractors recruit, hire, and manage seasonal or temporary agricultural workers for farms and agricultural operations. They handle hiring logistics and may also arrange transportation, housing, and meals for workers. This work takes place in agricultural regions across the United States, connecting labor supply with seasonal farming demands.

$58,460median pay, U.S., per year
$35,720–$79,590middle half earn
310employed in the U.S.
LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.
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A day in the work

Work involves recruiting workers through various channels, conducting hiring and paperwork, and coordinating schedules to match labor availability with farm needs. Contractors communicate regularly with farm employers about staffing requirements and with workers about assignments and conditions. Tasks may include arranging transportation, managing housing accommodations, overseeing meal provisions, and handling payroll. Work is most intensive during peak agricultural seasons and may involve travel to different farm locations.

Who this work suits

Enterprising
67Realistic
64Conventional
56Social
37Investigative
9Artistic
0

Holland code ERC. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to be practical and action-oriented, comfortable with hands-on management and problem-solving in dynamic agricultural settings. You're drawn to building and running a business, and you work well coordinating people and logistics to connect workers with employers.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).

Skills that matter most

SpeakingActive ListeningCoordinationManagement of Personnel ResourcesCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge areas

Administration and ManagementAdministrativeFood ProductionProduction and ProcessingEconomics and AccountingForeign Language

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
California$66,960$85,710$104,740—
Florida$76,500$79,590$80,100—
Minnesota$49,640$50,730$59,780—
All 3 states

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against farm labor contractors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 13-1074.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.