Farmer or Rancher

Explore This Path

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.

💰 Earn $84K-$132K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -1.6% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll 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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

88,500 Annually

Median Earnings

$108,230 in California

$83,770 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Farmer or Rancher? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@farmsadvicepodcast

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Learning Strategies
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Farmer or Rancher

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

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

Associate's Degree

An 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 Degree

A 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 School

A 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