How much does a farm labor contractor make?
Answer: A typical farm labor contractor in the United States makes $58,460 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 310 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Farm labor contractor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a farm labor contractor do?
Recruit and hire seasonal or temporary agricultural laborers. May transport, house, and provide meals for workers.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and building and doing.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Business and Financial Operations jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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