How much does a farm worker make?
a year · about $19 an hour
A typical farm worker in the United States makes $39,850 a year, about $19 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
“All Other” covers farm jobs not listed separately, so duties vary: a worker may water fields, plant or harvest crops, or repair fences. They might also move plants by tractor or load crops for shipment.
Did you know? Farm work can include moving shrubs and trees with a wheelbarrow or tractor—not just planting or picking crops.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $27,760 and $76,940How do you become one?
Most U.S. farm-worker jobs do not require a school credential; workers usually learn tools and safety on the job, often in brief training. Equipment operators may need a driver’s license, and pesticide handlers may need a pesticide-applicator license.
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill, the kind of farm work, employer, and location. Seasonal schedules and hours matter too, while equipment or pesticide licenses can qualify workers for certain tasks.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($53,090), lowest in West Virginia ($24,960).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,760 | $39,850 | $76,940 | about 4,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $53,090 | about 960 |
| Hawaii | $46,650 | about 90 |
| Washington | $43,930 | — |
| North Carolina | $43,790 | — |
| Ohio | $43,540 | about 50 |
Official definition: All agricultural workers not listed separately.
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
- www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/print/agricultural-workers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/45-2099.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes452099.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY