10 Highest Paying Jobs in Agriculture

10 Highest Paying Jobs in Agriculture

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We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture, so you can learn and earn more.

If you have an agriculture degree and are looking for a high-paying job, this article will help you figure out what jobs are great for you.

We compared data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, and multimedia resources to generate insights in this article.

Here are the highest-paying jobs in agriculture.

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#10. Farm Manager

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Payscale
  • Low Range: $31,000 per year
  • High Range: $81,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $49,815 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Farm managers oversee the daily operations of agricultural properties. They:

  • Hire and train workers. 
  • Plan and schedule work.
  • Organize the maintenance of farm equipment.

These managers also ensure that crops grow healthy, animals thrive, and other resources are being utilized well.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Most farm managers have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a related field. Employers prefer applicants with experience working on farms before becoming managers.

Since this job involves working with other people, you need excellent communication skills to be a successful manager. 

You should also be familiar with local laws regarding agricultural production and marketing practices. This will help you ensure that your farms comply with the government’s regulations.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

A farm manager may work in learning institutions, nonprofits, organizations, and research institutions.

What’s the best way to get this job?

Before earning this job title, you should start by seeking an internship or apprenticeship at a local farm. This program will allow you to gain valuable experience working alongside experienced professionals.

Should you become a farm manager?

#9. Agricultural Equipment Technician

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: ZipRecruiter
  • Low Range: $21,500 per year
  • High Range: $93,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $50,501 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Agricultural equipment technicians work with farmers to help them maintain and repair their machinery. They inspect farm machinery to see if they are working properly. These technicians may also take part in developing new technology for farm machines.


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What degrees and skills are usually required?

A degree in agricultural engineering is often the minimum requirement for this job. However, you also need the ability to spot potential problems before they become serious issues.

In addition to a solid educational background, you must have excellent communication skills as you’ll be working with farmers, telling them what needs to be done with their machinery.

It’s also crucial that you can read blueprints to know what parts need replacing after an accident.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

Agricultural equipment technicians can work in various settings, including manufacturing companies, dealerships, repair shops, and farms.

What’s the best way to get this job?

After graduation, you may use one of the many available ways to earn this job title. Networking with other people who work in this field is the quickest way to land a job. You can also start in entry-level positions. Then ask your employer about opportunities for advancement within the company.


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What’s it like to be an agricultural equipment technician?

#8. Crop Consultant

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: ZipRecruiter
  • Low Range: $20,500 per year
  • High Range: $114,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $56,908 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Crop consultants advise crop planting, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting. 

They typically work with farmers to develop strategies for crop rotation, soil fertility, irrigation, weed control, and pest management. They are the experts in the entire department of agriculture.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Most employers prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in agriculture or related fields like biology or agronomy. Some employers may also require experience in the field before they hire you for this job.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

Also known as crop advisors, these professionals may work for consulting firms, non-profits, or agricultural retailers.

What’s the best way to get this job?

You can opt for entry-level positions to gain exposure and knowledge in the field before looking into the top positions.

Once you have the required level of experience necessary for this job title, just apply for crop consultant jobs. Companies are always looking for new crop consultants who can help them develop better products for farmers worldwide.

What’s it like to be a crop consultant?


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#7. Water Treatment Specialist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $24,000 per year
  • High Range: $165,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $58,663 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Water treatment specialists ensure that water is clean and safe for consumption. They do this through various methods, including chemical purification and filtration.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Water treatment specialists typically have a strong understanding of chemistry, biology, and how to use these scientific disciplines to solve practical problems.

To earn this job title, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biology to earn this job title. You must also have strong interpersonal skills to relate well with your colleagues. 

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

Water treatment specialists typically work in the public sector or private companies that provide water services to communities and businesses. 

What’s the best way to get this job?

You can start by pursuing a degree in chemistry or biology. Then enroll in additional training in water treatment and safety procedures.


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What’s it like to be a water treatment specialist?

#6. Food Technologist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Payscale
  • Low Range: $45,000 per year
  • High Range: $79,000  per year
  • Median Pay: $59,045 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

A food technologist is a person who makes sure that the food we eat is safe and healthy. 

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Food technologists should have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or any related field. However, most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree for advanced positions.

Experience working in labs is a top priority for some hiring companies.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

These food scientists may work part-time or full-time.

They usually work for: 

  • Government agencies.
  • Non-profit organizations.
  • Food manufacturing companies.
  • Food distribution companies.
  • Research laboratories.

What’s the best way to get this job?

You first need a degree in a food technology-related program. Then gain experience working with established food technologists.

Job postings for food technologists are available on sites like Indeed. You can also use your network to look for job openings.

What’s it like to be a food technologist?


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#5. Farm Operations Manager

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: ZipRecruiter
  • Low Range: $19,500 per year
  • High Range: $118,500 per year
  • Median Pay: $68,238 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Farm operations managers are in charge of overseeing the day-to-day operations of a farm. They supervise:

  • Planting and harvesting crops.
  • Feeding and watering of animals.
  • Maintenance of farm equipment.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Employers prefer graduates with degrees in agriculture or business management. If you’re interested in this career path, you should have some experience working on farms or ranches as an intern or apprentice. You’ll need to be able to work long hours outdoors in all kinds of weather, so having a solid physical constitution is important, too.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

Farm operations managers may find agricultural work in non-governmental organizations, learning institutions, and private farms.

What’s the best way to get this job?

Six of the quickest ways to get this job include:

  • Networking through family members who live near farms or ranches they know personally. 
  • Asking around with friends who may know of any openings.
  • Contacting local farmers directly. 
  • Checking job listings at local schools or extension services.
  • Sending out applications through the employer’s website if they have one.
  •  Attending trade shows where employers gather together. 

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What’s it like to be a farm operations manager?

#4. Forest Engineer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary.com
  • Low Range: $52,811 per year
  • High Range: $87,285 per year
  • Median Pay: $70,031 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

This is an important job due to the global importance of healthy forests.

Forest engineers are specialists in the environmental engineering field. They work with forest resource management companies to supervise and direct forests’ development, use, and preservation. 

What degrees and skills are usually required?

A bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field is a must-have for a career as a forest engineer. A master’s degree is not required but can be helpful for moving into higher roles.

These engineers need strong critical thinking skills and scientific mindsets. You should also have solid interpersonal skills to work well with others.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

The US Forest Service employs most of the forest engineers in the country. They are hired for their expertise and their ability to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

What’s the best way to get this job?

You can start by applying through an agency or website that specializes in hiring people with your specific skills and experience level. You may also want to consider doing an internship at an organization that works in this field so that you can gain more experience before applying for full-time positions.

Should you become a forest engineer?


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#3. Water Resources Engineer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary.com
  • Low Range: $53,762 per year
  • High Range: $88,856 per year
  • Median Pay: $71,292 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Water resources engineers are responsible for designing and operating systems that control, store, and distribute water. Their job description may include: 

  • Stream restoration.
  • Water treatment.
  • Plant operation. 
  • Design of hydropower plants or irrigation systems.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

Most water resources engineers have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, civil engineering, or environmental engineering. Employers will also prefer candidates with technical, soft, and practical skills.

Some of the skills common among water resources engineers include:

  • Math skills.
  • Knowledge of advanced concepts related to hydrology and hydraulics.
  • Problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with computer-aided design software.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

Water resources engineers work for municipal governments, state governments, or private engineering firms. They may also work for the federal government—for example, in the army or with the Environmental Protection Agency.

What’s the best way to get this job?

You may start by earning an undergraduate degree in engineering or agriculture. Then apply for a position at a government agency or private corporation specializing in water management.

What’s it like to be a water resources engineer?

#2. Agronomy manager

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $40,000 per year
  • High Range: $191,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $85,363 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Agronomy manager is the person who oversees all operations related to crop production and grain harvesting. Depending on the company, this person may also be responsible for overseeing employees and ensuring that they are working efficiently.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

A degree in agriculture is the common requirement for this job, but if you don’t have one yet, don’t worry. You can still get hired. Most companies are willing to train you even if you don’t have any experience with agriculture at all. They care about whether or not they think you’ll be able to do well in this position over time.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

These professionals may work in research firms, learning institutions, farms, government agencies, or seed production companies.

Agronomy managers earn an average annual salary of $85k. But the salary may vary depending on your employer.

What’s the best way to get this job?

If you want to earn this job title, here’s what we recommend. Start by reading up on what it takes to succeed in this field (many resources are available online). Then take some classes in agronomy or business administration to learn how to run a business effectively. This will help set yourself apart from other candidates. Finally, apply for jobs.

What’s it like to be an agronomy manager?

#1. Agricultural Engineer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary.com
  • Low Range: $59,749 per year
  • High Range: $92,415 per year
  • Median Pay: $74,660 per year
Highest Paying Jobs In Agriculture : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Agricultural engineers are an essential part of the agricultural business. 

They are highly trained professionals who work to optimize the performance of agricultural systems. These professionals may focus on a particular aspect of farming, such as irrigation or crop production.

What degrees and skills are usually required?

An undergraduate degree in engineering is the basic requirement for entry-level jobs in this field. Companies may require advanced degree holders for certain roles. 

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

Agricultural engineers work in a variety of industries, including:

  • Crop production and processing.
  • Irrigation and water management.
  • Animal husbandry and food production.

As an agricultural engineer, you may also work in university research labs, government agencies, nonprofits, or private consulting firms, where you’ll conduct field tests on new technologies. Agricultural engineers earn an average annual salary of $105k, making them the highest-paid on this list.

What’s the best way to get this job?

You can get into this field by earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from an accredited college or university. Then apply for positions on job boards or company websites.

How do you become an agricultural engineer?

https://youtu.be/eG8AqHNEezM

Conclusion

If you have the skills, the desire, and the passion, then study agriculture. You will surely reap abundant rewards regarding job opportunities, pay scale, and satisfaction.

The best careers for agriculture majors include specialists in soil nutrients, land management, purification of drinking water, etc. 

After reviewing all these highest-paying jobs in agriculture, we hope that you are now equipped with a lot of knowledge about the various career options available.

Insider Tips
🚀 A thoughtful CV is more likely to get a thoughtful response. Often "thoughtful" just means you have taken the time to understand what they need and reflect that understanding on your CV. 
🤖 Use Jasper to tailor the CV and cover letter for you to 10X your interviews.
💡 Check out these tools to boost your productivity and impact.

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SJ Tsai
Chief Editor. Writer wrangler. Research guru. Three years at scijournal. Hails from a family with five PhDs. When not shaping content, creates art. Peek at the collection on Etsy. For thoughts and updates, hit up Twitter.

2 thoughts on “10 Highest Paying Jobs in Agriculture”

  1. I am 35 years old guy from Ghana, I am a Cocoa Farmer with 8 acres of Cocoa farm, am hardworking, serious about my work. Please I want to work in institution as an Agronomy Engineer. Any vacancy?

    Reply

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