How much does a farm machine operator make?

In the United States, experienced operators and workers with sought-after skills may earn more than beginners. Pay can also differ by employer or industry, location, and how difficult or responsible the work is.

Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.

What's a typical day like?

They drive a tractor or combine to till fields, plant crops, or harvest them. They may check or repair equipment and attach tools like plows or sprayers for the next job.

In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is usual, and farm or heavy-equipment experience can help. Most learn on the job, with training ranging from a few days to a year.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

One surprising U.S. fact: 84% of surveyed farm machine operators report working more than 40 hours a week.