How to Become a Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal in 2026
Median salary: $36,150 · -5.0% projected decline (2024–2034)
What does a Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal do?
Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals is $36,150. The bottom 10% earn around $27,110 while the top 10% earn over $51,840.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $27,110 |
| Early career (P25) | $31,220 |
| Median | $36,150 |
| Experienced (P75) | $44,280 |
| Top earners (P90) | $51,840 |
Highest-paying metros
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $48,990 |
| Alaska | $48,440 |
| Vermont | $47,230 |
| Washington | $43,540 |
| Minnesota | $42,650 |
| Utah | $42,120 |
| Louisiana | $41,720 |
| Idaho | $41,360 |
| Maine | $41,320 |
| Colorado | $41,230 |
| New York | $40,750 |
| North Dakota | $40,560 |
| New Jersey | $39,140 |
| Wyoming | $38,920 |
| South Dakota | $38,580 |
| Indiana | $38,120 |
| Massachusetts | $37,970 |
| Arizona | $37,470 |
| Mississippi | $37,440 |
| Nebraska | $37,440 |
| Virginia | $37,340 |
| Montana | $37,110 |
| Kansas | $36,940 |
| Delaware | $36,800 |
| Wisconsin | $36,100 |
| New Hampshire | $36,020 |
| Connecticut | $35,640 |
| Nevada | $35,480 |
| Maryland | $35,390 |
| Oregon | $35,360 |
| California | $35,310 |
| North Carolina | $35,230 |
| Alabama | $35,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,040 |
| Florida | $34,960 |
| Iowa | $34,740 |
| Illinois | $34,680 |
| Missouri | $34,400 |
| Tennessee | $34,350 |
| Kentucky | $33,850 |
| Texas | $33,050 |
| Michigan | $33,030 |
| South Carolina | $32,820 |
| Georgia | $32,810 |
| Oklahoma | $32,670 |
| New Mexico | $32,320 |
| West Virginia | $31,980 |
| Ohio | $30,890 |
| Arkansas | $28,410 |
How to earn more as a Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal
The salary range for Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals spans $24,730 — from $27,110 at entry level to $51,840 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area at $49,040 — $12,890 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (industry-recognized certifications)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Most entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Look for apprenticeship programs through unions, trade associations, or the Department of Labor's ApprenticeshipUSA program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in 6–12 months. OSHA safety certifications are widely valued and often required.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (industry-recognized certifications)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Career changers are in demand across this field. Your existing professional skills — problem-solving, communication, time management, and work ethic — are valued by employers even if your technical skills are new. Many organizations offer orientation programs or short certification courses designed specifically for career changers. Contact industry associations, local unions, or community colleges for programs in your area.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
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The Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal.
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SOC: 45-2093.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034