Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Most agricultural workers do not need a formal educational credential to enter these occupations; however, animal breeders typically need a high school diploma. Agricultural workers typically receive on-the-job training. PayThe median annual wage for agricultural workers was $35,890 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of agricultural workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 111,500 openings for agricultural workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about agricultural workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for agricultural workers was $35,890 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of agricultural workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 111,500 openings for agricultural workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about agricultural workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of agricultural workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 111,500 openings for agricultural workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about agricultural workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Agricultural workers maintain crops and tend livestock.
Work Environment
Agricultural workers usually do their tasks outdoors in all kinds of weather. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become an Agricultural Worker
Most agricultural workers do not need a formal educational credential to enter these occupations; however, animal breeders typically need a high school diploma. Agricultural workers typically receive on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for agricultural workers was $35,890 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of agricultural workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 111,500 openings for agricultural workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about agricultural workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Agricultural workers usually do their tasks outdoors in all kinds of weather. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become an Agricultural Worker
Most agricultural workers do not need a formal educational credential to enter these occupations; however, animal breeders typically need a high school diploma. Agricultural workers typically receive on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for agricultural workers was $35,890 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of agricultural workers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 111,500 openings for agricultural workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about agricultural workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for agricultural workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of agricultural workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about agricultural workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about agricultural workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.