Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
Farmworkers care for live animals on farms, ranches, and aquacultural operations. They feed, water, and monitor cattle, sheep, swine, horses, poultry, fish, and other animals raised for meat, dairy, eggs, fur, or other products. Work takes place in barns, pastures, open ranges, and aquaculture facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves daily feeding and watering of animals, checking their health and behavior, cleaning facilities, and maintaining equipment. Farmworkers may move animals between pastures, repair fencing, assist with breeding or medical care, and monitor aquatic environments. Tasks vary by season and animal type. Physical work is consistent, often starting early and working in various weather conditions.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work with clear, defined tasks—the realistic interest. You're organized and detail-oriented, with a systematic approach to responsibilities—the conventional interest. You're comfortable with repetitive physical work and can work independently or as part of a team on a farm or ranch.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $46,590 | $50,450 | $59,700 | 40 |
| West Virginia | $45,310 | $48,460 | $57,410 | 40 |
| Hawaii | $42,250 | $47,050 | $51,450 | 160 |
| Minnesota | $36,640 | $46,020 | $54,910 | 580 |
| Washington | $39,400 | $45,370 | $55,570 | 1,100 |
| Maine | $34,280 | $42,170 | $47,350 | 140 |
| Maryland | $32,730 | $41,760 | $61,070 | 310 |
| Vermont | $35,990 | $40,730 | $51,990 | 80 |
| Idaho | $31,200 | $40,580 | $46,100 | 480 |
| North Dakota | $37,380 | $40,320 | $40,320 | 130 |
| Colorado | $35,360 | $39,740 | $47,540 | 1,270 |
| New Hampshire | $31,280 | $39,520 | $52,830 | 130 |
All 49 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Equine Facility Manager Level 2 - Stable Manager (EFM) — Certified Horsemanship Association
- Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS) — Irrigation Association
- Equine Facility Manager Level 3 - Herd Manager (EFM) — Certified Horsemanship Association
- Equine Facility Manager Level 4 - Equine Facility Manager (EFM) — Certified Horsemanship 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 farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 45-2093.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.