An Agricultural Career Guide: Jobs, Skills, and Resources
Apr 30, 2023
An Agricultural Career Guide: Jobs, Skills, and Resources
Food and Biomaterials Production
Agricultural Production Engineers
Agricultural Research Engineer
Education, Communication, and Governmental Services
Where Do People in the Agriculture Sector Work?
How To Prepare for Outdoor Agricultural Work
What Skills Are Important in the Agriculture Sector?
Benefits of Working in the Agricultural Industry
Degrees and Training Opportunities
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
Career and Networking Resources
Where Can You Find Jobs in the Agriculture Industry?
Where Can You Connect With Others in the Agriculture Industry?
Additional Agricultural Career Resources
An Agricultural Career Guide: Jobs, Skills, and Resources
Agriculture is the backbone of the United States and essential to keeping this country going. In addition to producing the food Americans need to survive, 10.5% of U.S. employment is related to agriculture and food production. This means that, as one of the hardworking few that feed the many, American ag workers shoulder the crucial responsibility of feeding a country and appreciate the satisfaction that comes from living off the land. Of course, when you think of agriculture, your first thoughts might be of farmers in the field and cowboys on the ranch — but not everybody in the ag industry is a farmer. There are plenty of moving parts when it comes to food production in the U.S., and each one of these parts is just as important as the next. In this career guide, we’ll go over the jobs, skills, and resources tied to this critical American industry.
Food and Biomaterials Production
Food and biomaterials production involves the cultivation of living things like fish, fruits, forest resources, and cattle, to name a few. Common roles in this area include farmers, ranchers, crop management consultants, aquaculturists, forest managers, and ranch managers.
Farmer/Rancher
Farmers and ranchers cultivate crops and raise livestock for food, including cattle, corn, and potatoes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary of farmers and ranchers was $73,060 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience a 3% decline between 2021 and 2031.
Crop Management Consultant
A crop management consultant or crop advisor helps farmers decide what and where to plant certain crops for maximum yield and profitability. According to the BLS, the median salary of agriculture and food scientists was $74,160 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience 8% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Aquaculturist
An aquaculturist works to cultivate and harvest aquatic crops and organisms for food — essentially, what a farmer is to land, an aquaculturist is to water. This might include raising and harvesting shrimp, algae, fish, or even rice. According to the BLS, the median salary of aquaculture professionals was $27,830 per year as of 2019. Agricultural careers in general are expected to experience 1% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Forest Manager
Forest managers are responsible for restoring and maintaining vegetation, ecosystems, and overall forest health, while also reducing hazards in human-visited natural areas. Responsibilities might include oversight and handling of conservation efforts and recreational areas. In the context of agriculture, they may also oversee forest farming activities. According to the BLS, the median salary of forest and conservation workers was $30,550 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience a 3% decline between 2021 and 2031.
Range Manager
Range managers help with oversight of rangelands, or large expanses of grassland and plains. These professionals help ranchers optimize grazing systems, assist with private biological assessments, and contribute to environmental monitoring and impact programs. According to the BLS, the median salary of agricultural managers was $73,060 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience a 3% decline between 2021 and 2031.
Science and Engineering
Science and engineering careers in the agriculture sector involve jobs related to equipment development, management, and maintenance. These roles also encompass research and fieldwork related to natural sciences as they concern agricultural efforts. Common jobs in this area include agricultural production engineers, agricultural research engineers, biosystems engineers, and conservation engineers.
Agricultural Production Engineers
Agricultural production engineers are involved in the design and manufacture of equipment and machinery used in farming, aquaculture, forestry, and other agriculture industries. These professionals use the principles of engineering to solve problems in crop, livestock, and materials cultivation. According to the BLS, the median salary of agricultural production engineers was $82,640 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience 1% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Agricultural Research Engineer
Agricultural research engineers are dedicated to solving problems related to equipment, systems, and processes, as well as assessing whether there are any improvements to be made. Engineering and agricultural science skills are vital in this role, as these professionals tackle issues ranging from reducing pollution to improving machine efficiency. The salary and career growth data for these professionals is the same as that for agricultural production engineers since the BLS groups them under the agricultural engineers’ umbrella.
Biosystems Engineer
Biosystems engineers combine their knowledge of biology and engineering to create innovative solutions for food production and safety. According to the BLS, the median salary of bioengineers was $97,410 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience 10% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Conservation Engineer
Conservation engineers develop structures and systems that are meant to support conservation efforts, sustainable forestry work, and recreational activities. According to the BLS, the median salary of environmental engineers was $96,820 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience 4% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Education, Communication, and Governmental Services
Education and communication workers in the agriculture sector teach potential agricultural professionals and the wider public about agricultural careers and efforts. Meanwhile, governmental services professionals develop policies related to agriculture and ensure that procedures and regulations are being followed properly. Common jobs in this area include agricultural educators, agricultural economists, and agricultural investigators.
Agricultural Educator
Agricultural educators teach students and the public alike about broad subjects like food and natural resources, as well as in-depth knowledge like soil science and agribusiness. According to the BLS, the median salary of postsecondary agricultural sciences teachers was $83,260 as of 2021. Postsecondary education careers are expected to experience 12% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural economists advise businesses and other relevant parties, such as government entities, on food production and operational logistics. They often conduct financial and market analyses to back up their advice. According to the BLS, the median salary of economists was $105,630 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience 6% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Agriculture Investigator
Agriculture investigators inspect food and livestock production and processing, ensuring operations and equipment are clean and compliant. According to the BLS, the median salary of agricultural inspectors was $44,720 as of 2022. The BLS doesn’t list the long-term outlook of agricultural inspectors, but as this is a necessary occupation funded by the federal government, these inspectors likely enjoy some amount of job security.
Business and Management
Business and management professionals in the agriculture sector oversee various operations related to agricultural efforts. Common jobs in this area include agricultural marketers, agricultural business managers, and environmental policy officers.
Agricultural Marketer
Agricultural marketers can work with both businesses and consumers, introducing products or crops to farmers or advertising various products to individuals. According to the BLS, the median salary of advertising and marketing managers was $133,380 per year as of 2021. Careers in advertising and marketing management are expected to experience 10% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Agricultural Business Manager
Agricultural business managers make key decisions about production and operations, manage employee activities, organize maintenance schedules, and plan budgets. The salary and career data for this profession are the same as that for range managers.
Environmental Policy Officer
Environmental policy officers work with government entities, businesses, and land developers to develop policies related to conservation. According to the BLS, the median salary of environmental specialists was $76,530 per year as of 2021. This career is expected to experience 5% growth between 2021 and 2031.
Where Do People in the Agriculture Sector Work?
People in the agriculture sector can work in a wide variety of environments, including:
- Farms
- Ranches
- Research institutions
- Food processing facilities
- Government agencies
- Marketing and sales
- Education and outreach
Once you figure out what role you want to fill and where you want to work, you can start learning what steps you need to take to prepare for that job.
How To Prepare for Outdoor Agricultural Work
In many agricultural jobs, you’ll have to spend some, if not most, of your time outside. While being outdoors is part of what makes ag work great, it can also be physically demanding — especially if you have to do physical labor or spend time in extreme temperatures. Having the right gear and attire will help set you up for success when you do have to work outside. Many employers in agriculture are pretty relaxed about what you’re allowed to wear since you need to dress for your comfort and safety to effectively do your job. Common attire for agricultural professionals includes:
- Men’s and women’s jeans
- Shirts made of breathable fabrics
- Wide-brimmed hats
- Cowboy boots
- Work boots
- Durable work gloves
Make sure your clothes are breathable to avoid overheating while you’re on the job. In addition, you’ll also want to make sure you avoid breathing in allergens, dust, and debris by wearing a good handkerchief. Sunglasses and a hat will go a long way in protecting you from the sun. You might need gloves and steel-toe boots, too, depending on your particular work environment and job duties.
No matter what you wear, the basic rule is to make sure you’re able to comfortably work long, hard days. You can also benefit from researching work attire and considering purchases from high-quality brands — like Ariat, Double-H, or Justin — so you have items that not only fit well, but will also last well into your career.
What Skills Are Important in the Agriculture Sector?
Of course, you also need to develop the right skills to succeed in an agricultural job. Though the exact skills you need will depend on your specific role, common skills important to this sector include:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Business acumen
- Adaptability
- Understanding of soil and crop science
- Understanding of livestock breeding and management
- Organization
- Understanding of environmental concerns and impacts
- Environmental awareness
Nobody is born with experience or skill; you have to go out and get that yourself. Education and hands-on work are two of the best ways to develop the skills you need to succeed in the agricultural sector. If you don’t have any hands-on experience, try seeking work as a ranch hand or applying for an internship at a production plant. You won’t learn everything you want all at once, but everyone has to start somewhere — and the best part about working hard and paying your dues on the ground floor is that there’s nowhere to go but up.
Benefits of Working in the Agricultural Industry
There are many benefits of working in the agriculture sector, including:
- Job stability: Because agriculture is a vital industry for the sustenance of the U.S. population, this industry offers substantial job stability in many areas.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth: Agriculture careers offer hands-on experience that can help you learn lessons and skills that may benefit you personally and professionally.
- Community involvement: Agricultural workers can play a key role in feeding their communities and teaching people in their communities about food, land use, and the environment.
- Innovation and problem-solving: Professionals in the agricultural industry are constantly innovating to find ways to improve their products and make operations more efficient.
- Opportunity to work outdoors: Working outdoors can have significant psychological and physical benefits. Because many agricultural careers involve outdoor work, you can take advantage of these benefits passively as you do your job.
- Lasting impact and legacy on the industry and how we use our resources: Innovative agricultural professionals may create inventions or solutions that could have positive long-term impacts on the industry, consumers, and the environment.
Simply put, there’s a lot to gain from agricultural work beyond a paycheck. If you’re serious about this industry and want to enjoy all it has to offer, it’s important to get the right education and experience so you can pursue those opportunities.
Degrees and Training Opportunities
It’s good to have an idea of what kind of agricultural work you’re interested in, first and foremost. The degrees, certifications, or experience you need for a career in agriculture will depend heavily on the role or even the specific company you intend to work for. However, many education and training options can offer a strong foundation for multiple different agricultural careers.
Education Options
Common agricultural degrees include:
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSAg)
- Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science
Vocational and technical training options in agriculture include:
- Farm management
- Livestock management
- Agricultural technology
- Agricultural mechanics
- Crop production
- Equipment operation and maintenance
Apprenticeship options in agriculture include:
- Farm apprenticeships
- Horticulture apprenticeships
- Agricultural engineering apprenticeships
You may be able to get funding for these credentials and training opportunities through financial aid or various scholarships.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
There are many opportunities for financial aid and scholarships related to agriculture. Relevant scholarships include:
- FFA Scholarships: The National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA) offers multiple scholarships on an annual basis, including the Grow Ag Leaders, Built Ford Tough, and FFA Future Leaders Scholarships. The amounts for these scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000.
- The McCaffrey Scholarship: This scholarship is presented by Texas A&M University to enrolled students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to out-of-state students, members of the CORPS of Cadets, and employed students.
- CME Beef Industry Scholarship: This scholarship awards $1,500 to 10 applicants who show promise in pursuing careers in the beef industry.
- Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship: This scholarship awards $10,000 to 10 applicants who are pursuing a career in agriculture.
- Lemelson-MIT Student Prize: This scholarship awards $15,000 to eight students who submit inventions related to food, health, or agriculture.
- Anchor QEA Scholarship Program: This scholarship provides awards in amounts ranging between $1,000 and $10,000 to graduate students who are dedicated to solving environmental problems in their professional lives.
Career and Networking Resources
As you stake your claim in the agriculture industry, keep your eye out for career resources and networking opportunities along the way. Some people can get along fine on their own — but neighbors and communities tend to get further. Converse with farmers, agribusiness workers, and suppliers to keep abreast of industry news, as well as job openings. You never know where those relationships will take you.
Where Can You Find Jobs in the Agriculture Industry?
Because careers in agriculture are so diverse, so too are the people and organizations hiring for these jobs. These can include:
- Agricultural universities and research institutions
- State and local agricultural departments
- Government agencies
- Online job boards
- Agricultural companies and organizations
You may have more success with your interactions with these entities if you first build connections in the agriculture industry.
Where Can You Connect With Others in the Agriculture Industry?
There are many ways that you can develop connections in the agriculture industry, such as:
- Joining agricultural organizations, like the FFA
- Connecting with industry professionals on social media
- Participating in local agriculture events
- Volunteering or interning with agricultural organizations
You may also be able to build connections by finding industry-specific organizations online.
Additional Agricultural Career Resources
Further resources that can help you pursue a career in the agricultural industry include:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Careers: The USDA offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates, recent veterans, and people with advanced degrees.
- National Agricultural Aviation Association: For those interested in joining the agricultural aviation industry, NAAA offers a series of education sessions called Compass Rose.
- American Association of Bovine Practitioners: This is an association of veterinarians dedicated to the health, welfare, and productivity of cattle.
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers: This organization offers many different career resources for people that are interested in jobs related to agricultural and biological engineering.
- American Society of Animal Science: This platform allows job recruiters and job seekers in the field of animal science to find each other.
- Poultry Science Association: This platform allows job recruiters and job seekers in the field of poultry science to find each other.
Looking into the above resources can help kickstart or further your career in agriculture. The field offers a range of professional opportunities where you can earn a good income, wear what you want to, and spend time outdoors. Additionally, few industries offer the same freedom, pride, and rewards that a career in agriculture can. Whether you’re in a lab or on the range, you can rest easy knowing your work ensures people in the U.S. have food to eat and makes a difference across the country.
