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Farmer or Rancher

💰 Earn $91K-$136K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 -1.3% Job Growth
  • Ideal for those passionate about sustainable agriculture and nature's cycles.
  • Vital role in feeding communities and supporting global food security.
  • Unique chance to blend traditional farming with innovative tech solutions.
Farmer or Rancher
What Farmer or Ranchers DoPlan, 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.
  • 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.
Farmer or Ranchers Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings85,500 Annually
Median Earnings
$107,780 in California
$87,980 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@farmsadvicepodcast
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Influencing or leading others
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having freedom
  • Job security
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Learning Strategies
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Go Deeper: Farmer or Ranchers Explained
Farmer or RancherExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
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What Are Similar Careers?

Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Farmer or Rancher | Explore this Career