Who Earns What

How much does a farm inspector make?

US Agricultural Inspectors
$49,940

a year · about $24 an hour

A typical farm inspector in the United States makes $49,940 a year, about $24 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

What do they do?

They may visit farms or food plants to check animals, crops or food and the cleanliness of work areas, sometimes taking samples for lab tests. They record findings and explain problems or needed fixes to workers.

Did you know? Some U.S. meat inspectors use their noses as well as their eyes and hands: smell can help them notice abnormal odors during inspections.

Is that a lot?

Compared with jobs you know
This job$49,940
Typical worker$50,980
Elementary teacher$63,970
Doctor$244,180
Cashier$32,880

If 100 people had this job

Most earn between $37,020 and $79,580
50 of 100
more than half

How do you become one?

In the U.S., many jobs ask for a high-school diploma/GED and on-the-job training. USDA entry-level food inspectors must pass a written test and qualify with a science-related bachelor's degree or one year of food-industry experience.

School needed: High school plus some training

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

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., pay can vary with experience, training or credentials, and whether the employer is the government or a business. Location, tougher or more responsible inspection work, and hours or shifts can matter too.

Where does it pay most?

Highest in Minnesota ($77,150), lowest in Wyoming ($36,670).

See every state
Whole US$49,940
Minnesota$77,150
New York$73,920
Ohio$69,280
Michigan$65,730
Vermont$63,630
Alabama$39,300
Nevada$39,270
Wyoming$36,670

Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.

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Who earns more?
Data table and sources
Farm inspector pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread) — Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lower earner (10th from bottom)Typical person (median)Higher earner (10th from top)People in this job
$37,020$49,940$79,580about 14,000
States where farm inspectors earn the most (median, May 2025)
StateTypical person (median)People in this job
Minnesota$77,150about 180
New York$73,920about 340
Ohio$69,280about 210
Michigan$65,730about 320
Vermont$63,630about 60

Official definition: Inspect agricultural commodities, processing equipment, and facilities, and fish and logging operations, to ensure compliance with regulations and laws governing health, quality, and safety.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine

Pages used for the text

Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY