Also called: Grower, Cattle Rancher, Dairy Farmer, Producer
Owns and runs their own farm or ranch, taking on the risk and reward of growing crops or raising livestock.
You are the boss, the mechanic, the accountant, and the weather-watcher. Spring means planting until dark; summer is irrigation and pest checks; fall is harvest crunch; winter is fixing equipment and planning. Many farmers also run a side business or sell direct at farmers markets.
Income varies wildly year to year with weather and prices; many small farms lose money while big ones are very profitable.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Many grow up on a farm and learn by doing; a 2- or 4-year ag degree helps a lot. Starting from scratch requires land and equipment money.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college, 4-year college, Self-taught. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Agricultural Business, Agronomy, Animal Science, Agricultural Systems Management.
Shrinking (about -1% over 10 years). The average US farmer is about 58, so many farms will change hands in the next decade.
Low risk for 10 years. Apps help with markets, records and precision planting; owning the risk and working land and animals stay human.
Classes: Agriculture CTE class, Business or accounting, Welding or ag mechanics, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 11-9013.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.