Also called: Detasseler, Seed Corn Field Worker
Walks seed-corn fields in July pulling tassels off corn plants so seed companies can control pollination.
Detasseling is a classic Midwest summer job for teens as young as 14. Crews start early, walk the rows in long sleeves and gloves, and pull tassels by hand for a few weeks each July.
Pay shown is for the short season; hourly rates are typically $12 to $18.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No experience needed; companies hire teens for short summer seasons.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing about average. Seasonal work lasting 2 to 4 weeks.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Detasseling machines and new seed tech already do most of the work; hand crews still clean up, but fewer each year.
Age 14+. One way to start: Sign up in spring with a seed company (Corteva, Bayer) or local detasseling contractor for July crews
Classes: PE or fitness, Agriculture science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2092.
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.