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.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
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
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically need at least a high school diploma and work experience in a related occupation. PayThe median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $89,900 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 70,800 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $89,900 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 70,800 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 70,800 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Work Environment
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically work outdoors but also may spend time in an office. Their work is often physically demanding.
How to Become a Farmer, Rancher, or Other Agricultural Manager
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically need at least a high school diploma and work experience in a related occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $89,900 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 70,800 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically work outdoors but also may spend time in an office. Their work is often physically demanding.
How to Become a Farmer, Rancher, or Other Agricultural Manager
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically need at least a high school diploma and work experience in a related occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $89,900 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 70,800 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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 farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 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.