How much does a farmer make?

In the U.S., farm income changes with weather and crop or livestock prices, and pay also differs by location, farm size, and whether someone owns a farm or manages one for an employer. Experience, the type of farm, optional management certification, and long seasonal hours can also affect earnings.

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities. Excludes “First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers” (45-1011).

What's a typical day like?

A farmer checks crops, soil, fences, or animals outdoors, then fixes equipment and records costs or sales. In planting or harvest season, work can run from sunrise to sunset; managers may plan budgets and supervise crews.

In the U.S., finish high school, then work on a farm for several years; agriculture or business study can help. Optional certification may require a degree, experience, coursework, and an exam; BLS names no usual starting age.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like leading and selling and building and doing.

In the U.S., fewer than 4% of farms are large-scale family farms, yet they produce 51% of the value of all agricultural products.