Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers oversee the day-to-day operations of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquaculture facilities, nurseries, and timber tracts. They handle planning, directing, and coordinating all management activities, including hiring and training workers or contracting services. These professionals work across diverse agricultural settings throughout rural and suburban areas.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves inspecting crops or livestock, monitoring weather and soil conditions, and making decisions about planting, harvesting, or breeding schedules. Managers review financial records, manage equipment maintenance, handle supplier relationships, and address worker scheduling. They may spend time in the field assessing conditions, then return to offices for paperwork, budgeting, and planning for upcoming seasons or projects.
Who this work suits
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 do well in this work if you're enterprising—comfortable making business decisions and managing operations—and realistic, with hands-on problem-solving skills and knowledge of agricultural practices. You prefer working with tangible outcomes and systems you can directly influence.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $75,950 | $111,460 | $134,950 | 200 |
| Montana | $62,780 | $110,250 | $121,960 | 30 |
| California | $96,630 | $109,140 | $142,180 | 1,650 |
| Washington | $82,740 | $103,240 | $131,750 | 140 |
| Kansas | $65,800 | $102,490 | $137,640 | 40 |
| Illinois | $72,860 | $99,440 | $144,910 | 120 |
| Georgia | $66,790 | $95,900 | $103,570 | 50 |
| Mississippi | $61,110 | $95,210 | $112,930 | 80 |
| New York | $57,130 | $89,370 | $128,480 | 130 |
| Florida | $74,770 | $87,080 | $141,370 | 320 |
| New Jersey | $73,440 | $86,380 | $112,520 | — |
| Wisconsin | $80,790 | $86,320 | $107,360 | 30 |
All 30 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS) — Irrigation Association
- Accredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC) — American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
- Agricultural Power and Technology — NOCTI
- Agricultural Productions Operations (PA) — NOCTI
- Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) — American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
- Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS) — Irrigation Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9013.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.