A Farm Manager is responsible for the daily planning, organization, supervision, and administration of activities on a farm. They oversee farm operations, manage staff, and ensure profitability and efficiency in agricultural production.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 2.7% (average)
Annual job openings: 8,500
Direct AI exposure: 0% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 32% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $59K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $39K per year | $47K per year | $59K per year | $75K per year | $92K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $8.34K above the national average. | ||||
Farm Managers typically work on farms, which can vary from small family-run businesses to large industrial agricultural operations. The environment is mostly outdoors and can be physically demanding, involving long hours and a variety of tasks related to crop or livestock management.
Farm management is a challenging and rewarding occupation that requires a blend of practical farming experience and business acumen. Farm Managers need to be knowledgeable about the science of agriculture, including soil health, plant biology, and animal husbandry. They must also be skilled in business management, understanding market trends, financial planning, and human resources.
Technological advances have transformed farming, and modern Farm Managers often use sophisticated agricultural technology, like GPS-guided equipment, to increase efficiency and productivity. They must be adaptable, able to respond to various challenges such as weather conditions, disease outbreaks in crops or livestock, and fluctuations in market prices.
Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Farm Managers work with a diverse team and must coordinate various activities to ensure the smooth running of the farm. They must also be proactive in learning and implementing sustainable farming practices to protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of the farm.
While some farm managers learn through hands-on experience, increasingly, employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, farm management, or a related field, which usually amounts to 4 years of post-secondary education.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.