How much does a farm labor contractor make?
a year · about $28 an hour
A typical farm labor contractor in the United States makes $58,460 a year, about $28 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At harvest time, a contractor gathers workers, arranges their ride to the fields, and checks that tools, drinking water, and toilets are ready. They supervise the crew outdoors as crop work changes with the season.
Did you know? In the U.S., contractors need special federal permission to transport workers and must submit paperwork each year for every vehicle they use.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $30,930 and $84,050How do you become one?
High school or a GED is common preparation, though needs vary; federal rules set no typical starting age. Before working, register with the U.S. Department of Labor; extra transport or housing permission and state licenses or exams may apply.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like leading and selling and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., earnings can differ by state, crop season, and grower contract; BLS tracks pay by location and industry. Crew size and contract duties—such as recruiting, supervising, or arranging authorized transport or housing—can change workload and earning opportunities.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($85,710), lowest in Minnesota ($50,730).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,930 | $58,460 | $84,050 | about 310 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $85,710 | — |
| Florida | $79,590 | — |
| Minnesota | $50,730 | — |
Official definition: Recruit and hire seasonal or temporary agricultural laborers. May transport, house, and provide meals for workers.
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.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1074.00
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/forms/wh530
- www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/agriculture/mspa/certificate-registration-resources/faq
- www.bls.gov/oes/2022/May/oes131074.htm
- www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/fmla0525.pdf
- www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/FLC_Exams_and_Continuing_Education.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY