Farm and Ranch Workers

At a Glance

Some work with food crops
Some work with livestock animals
Usually work outdoors
May operate large equipment (i.e., tractors or milking machines)
Often work long hours during harvest time
May not work in the winter
Train on the job

Career summary

Farm and ranch workers help raise crops and livestock for market.

#match for wois 4166, nothing brought over. checked 2/28/19 lh

Duties of farm and ranch workers vary with the type of farm and the season. Farm and ranch workers may work with:

Crops
Animals
Equipment

Regardless of their duties, farm and ranch workers keep records of farm production. For example, they record how the animals or crops grew, how much food they gave them, and how much they produced. By sharing this information with farmers, farm and ranch workers help improve farm production.

Crops

Some work with food crops such as grains, fruits, nuts, or vegetables. They plow, plant, water, and fertilize plants. Depending on the size of the farm or what they are growing, farm workers may plant or harvest by hand or use machines. After the harvest, they sort and grade products and package them for sale. During busy times such as harvesting, farm workers may direct extra work crews. Some farm workers may work only during the spring and summer months. Others may work all year because they grow cover crops during the winter months.

Animals

Other farm and ranch workers feed, water, groom, and care for the health of livestock and poultry. When necessary, they provide simple medical care, such as giving shots or cleaning wounds. Occasionally, they help with birthing animals. In addition, they tag or brand animals so owners can identify their livestock. Farm and ranch workers build or repair structures, such as fences or pens. They also keep barns, stables, pens, and kennels clean.

Equipment

On larger farms, farm workers may operate equipment such as tractors, hay balers, and milking machines. They also may maintain and repair equipment. For example, they may repair irrigation pipes or dig out trenches that are clogged.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to farm and ranch workers.

Drive or operate farm equipment to plow, plant, cultivate, or harvest crops.
May plant seeds or transplant seedlings by hand.
Feed, water, groom, and otherwise care for livestock and poultry.
Mark livestock to identify ownership.
Clean barns, stables, pens, and kennels.
Examine the health of animals, fish, or birds. Provide basic medical care.
Irrigate soil and maintain ditches or pipes and pumps.
Harvest, inspect, and grade products.
Repair and maintain farm equipment and structures.
Oversee work crews during harvest time.
Record information about growth, feeding, production, and costs.

Common work activities

Farm and ranch workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Handle and move objects
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Perform activities that use the whole body
Control machines and processes
Identify objects, actions, and events
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Establish and maintain relationships
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Get information needed to do the job
Develop and build teams
Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
Teach others
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Guide, direct, and motivate others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, farm and ranch workers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a low level of contact with others. When they do talk to others, they do so primarily by telephone and face-to-face discussions.
Work as part of a team.
Are responsible for the health and safety of others when working with farm machinery.
Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.

Physical work conditions

Often work outdoors. Generally work indoors only when working with farm animals.
Often are exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts, bites, or stings.
Sometimes are exposed to contaminants such as pesticides.
Often are exposed to hazardous equipment.
Sometimes are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working outside.
Sometimes are exposed to very bright or dim lighting.
Sometimes are exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Sometimes wear protective attire, such as gloves and work boots.
Sometimes are exposed to hazardous conditions. The likelihood of even slight injury from this exposure is low.
Often work in enclosed and open vehicles or equipment, such as trucks and tractors.

Work performance

Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Giving animals the wrong amount of medicine could hurt them.
Must allow the work pace to be set by the speed of the equipment.
Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
Usually make decisions and set daily tasks and goals with considerable input from supervisors.
Must meet daily work requirements.

Hours/travel

May work part time or full time.
Usually work more than eight hours per day during harvest times.
Usually work six days per week.
May take vacations during the winter, if growing seasonal crops.

Physical demands

Farm and ranch workers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for farm and ranch workers to be able to:

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Determine the distance between objects.
Understand the speech of another person.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for farm and ranch workers to be able to:

Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Move arms and legs quickly.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Farm and ranch workers need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Work with things

Operate and control equipment.
Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a farm and ranch worker, you typically need to:

complete short-term, on-the-job training; and
have a driver's license if you are required to drive a truck.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Taking courses in a second language, such as Spanish, is very helpful.

Work experience

Growing up on a farm is good work experience for this occupation. It is also helpful if you join clubs such as 4-H or the National FFA Organization while in high school.

On-the-job training

Farm and ranch workers usually receive informal training on the job from experienced workers. On the job, you learn:

how to handle animals or livestock;
how to plant, tend, and harvest crops; and
how to use and maintain equipment.

Training may last up to a month. Those who operate agricultural equipment, such as tractors, may receive additional training. It's important to remember that new skills are continually acquired as the seasons change.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Agricultural Production
Agriculture Technology
Animal Science
Driver Education
Horticulture
Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to hire people who have experience taking care of animals. They prefer to hire farm and ranch workers who are in good physical condition. Some employers may require applicants to prove they can lift and move heavy objects, such as hay bales. They may also require applicants to have a driver's license and a good driving record. Employers who hire equipment operators prefer applicants who have used that type of equipment.

Applicants must be willing to work long hours, especially during harvest times.

After working at a variety of job tasks, an experienced worker may specialize in one type of work. Corporate farms often hire specialists.

Tips

Training programs at two- and four-year colleges may be helpful. Classes in welding and diesel mechanics are helpful. The ability to speak Spanish may be important for jobs in some areas. Willingness to learn and do moderate physical work is important. Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions is necessary, especially for workers who are responsible for operating large and often expensive farm equipment. Farm machinery is becoming more automated, so the ability to use tools such as global positioning systems and soil sensing and mapping systems is an asset.

#Added comments about attention to detail, following instructions, and using automated machinery since these are definite issues my brother & some other farmers he knows has had to deal with as employers of farm help. 3/31/10, cj.

Costs to workers

Farm and ranch workers who apply pesticides must obtain a license from the state Department of Agriculture. There is an annual fee.

Licensing/certification

Workers who apply pesticides must obtain a license from the state.

For information on pesticide application licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division (external link)
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
877.301.4555

#2/28/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Agricultural equipment operators (SOC 45-2091)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$12.38	$13.69	$15.88	$18.26	$23.16
	Monthly	$2,145	$2,372	$2,752	$3,164	$4,014
	Yearly	$25,740	$28,480	$33,020	$37,980	$48,160
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$13.25	$14.90	$16.64	$18.23	$19.19
	Monthly	$2,296	$2,582	$2,884	$3,159	$3,326
	Yearly	$27,547	$31,003	$34,620	$37,916	$39,903
Vancouver	Hourly	$12.99	$13.64	$14.72	$16.04	$18.41
	Monthly	$2,251	$2,364	$2,551	$2,780	$3,190
	Yearly	$27,017	$28,370	$30,623	$33,376	$38,310
Wenatchee	Hourly	$12.18	$13.01	$14.71	$17.00	$18.85
	Monthly	$2,111	$2,255	$2,549	$2,946	$3,267
	Yearly	$25,331	$27,065	$30,594	$35,364	$39,215
Yakima	Hourly	$12.82	$14.16	$16.38	$18.76	$27.34
	Monthly	$2,222	$2,454	$2,839	$3,251	$4,738
	Yearly	$26,655	$29,447	$34,074	$39,022	$56,855
United States	Hourly	$10.04	$12.26	$14.99	$18.32	$22.38
	Monthly	$1,740	$2,125	$2,598	$3,175	$3,878
	Yearly	$20,890	$25,510	$31,190	$38,100	$46,550

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse (SOC 45-2092)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$11.67	$11.99	$13.25	$14.96	$18.10
	Monthly	$2,022	$2,078	$2,296	$2,593	$3,137
	Yearly	$24,270	$24,930	$27,560	$31,120	$37,640
Bellingham	Hourly	$11.81	$11.97	$12.44	$14.32	$16.66
	Monthly	$2,047	$2,074	$2,156	$2,482	$2,887
	Yearly	$24,571	$24,900	$25,889	$29,805	$34,660
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$11.82	$11.99	$12.41	$13.85	$15.24
	Monthly	$2,048	$2,078	$2,151	$2,400	$2,641
	Yearly	$24,583	$24,956	$25,819	$28,806	$31,709
Longview	Hourly	$11.82	$12.01	$12.43	$15.11	$19.07
	Monthly	$2,048	$2,081	$2,154	$2,619	$3,305
	Yearly	$24,599	$24,964	$25,862	$31,428	$39,663
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$12.49	$13.20	$14.38	$16.32	$19.86
	Monthly	$2,165	$2,288	$2,492	$2,828	$3,442
	Yearly	$25,996	$27,453	$29,898	$33,943	$41,306
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$11.84	$12.04	$12.41	$14.43	$15.80
	Monthly	$2,052	$2,087	$2,151	$2,501	$2,738
	Yearly	$24,631	$25,041	$25,818	$30,004	$32,856
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$11.88	$12.21	$13.72	$16.57	$20.18
	Monthly	$2,059	$2,116	$2,378	$2,872	$3,497
	Yearly	$24,719	$25,402	$28,540	$34,466	$41,980
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$13.30	$15.57	$17.38	$19.09	$22.29
	Monthly	$2,305	$2,698	$3,012	$3,308	$3,863
	Yearly	$27,649	$32,369	$36,144	$39,705	$46,360
Vancouver	Hourly	$10.88	$11.79	$13.38	$15.01	$17.92
	Monthly	$1,886	$2,043	$2,319	$2,601	$3,106
	Yearly	$22,630	$24,523	$27,832	$31,206	$37,264
Walla Walla	Hourly	$11.95	$12.47	$13.54	$14.60	$15.44
	Monthly	$2,071	$2,161	$2,346	$2,530	$2,676
	Yearly	$24,858	$25,939	$28,162	$30,377	$32,120
Wenatchee	Hourly	$11.87	$12.13	$12.64	$14.80	$17.82
	Monthly	$2,057	$2,102	$2,191	$2,565	$3,088
	Yearly	$24,699	$25,218	$26,273	$30,792	$37,065
Yakima	Hourly	$11.98	$12.40	$13.96	$15.44	$17.83
	Monthly	$2,076	$2,149	$2,419	$2,676	$3,090
	Yearly	$24,928	$25,806	$29,027	$32,122	$37,103
United States	Hourly	$10.53	$10.92	$11.69	$13.56	$16.92
	Monthly	$1,825	$1,892	$2,026	$2,350	$2,932
	Yearly	$21,900	$22,720	$24,320	$28,210	$35,200

Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals (SOC 45-2093)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$11.89	$12.92	$15.91	$19.73	$22.74
	Monthly	$2,061	$2,239	$2,757	$3,419	$3,941
	Yearly	$24,730	$26,870	$33,090	$41,030	$47,300
Bellingham	Hourly	$11.93	$12.28	$13.78	$15.75	$20.47
	Monthly	$2,067	$2,128	$2,388	$2,729	$3,547
	Yearly	$24,831	$25,542	$28,653	$32,754	$42,567
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$11.91	$12.22	$14.97	$19.12	$22.87
	Monthly	$2,064	$2,118	$2,594	$3,313	$3,963
	Yearly	$24,788	$25,408	$31,134	$39,764	$47,566
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$11.96	$12.29	$13.12	$19.96	$23.73
	Monthly	$2,073	$2,130	$2,274	$3,459	$4,112
	Yearly	$24,885	$25,554	$27,304	$41,527	$49,352
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$11.87	$12.11	$15.04	$18.31	$20.46
	Monthly	$2,057	$2,099	$2,606	$3,173	$3,546
	Yearly	$24,694	$25,190	$31,272	$38,095	$42,563
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$12.09	$13.02	$15.46	$20.01	$23.14
	Monthly	$2,095	$2,256	$2,679	$3,468	$4,010
	Yearly	$25,149	$27,083	$32,162	$41,618	$48,120
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$11.86	$12.19	$15.36	$18.36	$19.97
	Monthly	$2,055	$2,113	$2,662	$3,182	$3,461
	Yearly	$24,676	$25,355	$31,945	$38,191	$41,538
Vancouver	Hourly	$10.33	$10.33	$11.16	$12.18	$18.47
	Monthly	$1,790	$1,790	$1,934	$2,111	$3,201
	Yearly	$21,477	$21,488	$23,207	$25,340	$38,406
Walla Walla	Hourly	$12.10	$12.67	$18.59	$20.46	$23.14
	Monthly	$2,097	$2,196	$3,222	$3,546	$4,010
	Yearly	$25,156	$26,354	$38,666	$42,565	$48,117
Wenatchee	Hourly	$15.46	$16.97	$20.22	$23.13	$23.73
	Monthly	$2,679	$2,941	$3,504	$4,008	$4,112
	Yearly	$32,158	$35,287	$42,049	$48,111	$49,358
Yakima	Hourly	$13.11	$14.54	$17.78	$21.35	$23.73
	Monthly	$2,272	$2,520	$3,081	$3,700	$4,112
	Yearly	$27,269	$30,250	$36,996	$44,408	$49,356
United States	Hourly	$8.85	$10.39	$12.77	$16.23	$20.12
	Monthly	$1,534	$1,801	$2,213	$2,813	$3,487
	Yearly	$18,410	$21,610	$26,560	$33,760	$41,840

Wages for farm and ranch workers varies by the type of work they do. Pay also varies with the area of the country and the crop worked. In general, workers in the southern and mountain states receive lower wages. Wages may be higher in areas where workers are in short supply. Some farm and ranch workers may receive less pay in exchange for housing, utilities, and farm products.

Wages also vary by time of the year. During planting and harvest times, farm and ranch workers have many opportunities to work overtime and earn higher wages. However, they may not work at all during some of the winter months.

Farm and ranch workers who work full time on large farms are likely to receive benefits. These benefits may include health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave. Those who work on small farms often must provide their own insurance. Similarly, those who travel around the country following the crops must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Agricultural Equipment Operators (SOC 45-2091)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	5,372	12.4%	16.1%	1,000
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	1,697	9.4%	13.4%	301
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	373	7.8%	8.6%	64
Benton and Franklin Counties	641	14.0%	15.0%	122
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	34	14.7%	11.9%	6
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	107	9.3%	15.2%	19
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	193	14.5%	14.1%	37
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	383	11.0%	14.6%	69
King County	89	11.2%	19.6%	16
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	1,606	15.7%	13.8%	315
Pierce County	49	53.1%	15.2%	16
Snohomish County	74	13.5%	12.4%	14
Spokane County	84	16.7%	13.9%	16
United States	66,600	9.8%	5.2%	12,100

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse (SOC 45-2092)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	65,614	14.2%	16.1%	12,553
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	18,883	9.2%	13.4%	3,332
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	3,659	9.4%	8.6%	647
Benton and Franklin Counties	9,152	17.0%	15.0%	1,822
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	454	15.2%	11.9%	88
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	877	12.5%	15.2%	164
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	2,838	12.5%	14.1%	527
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	4,729	11.3%	14.6%	858
King County	1,874	11.4%	19.6%	341
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	20,275	18.7%	13.8%	4,162
Pierce County	629	50.7%	15.2%	192
Snohomish County	966	12.5%	12.4%	180
Spokane County	1,069	16.1%	13.9%	206
United States	532,300	2.0%	5.2%	88,800

Farmworkers, Farm and Ranch Animals (SOC 45-2093)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	6,186	10.8%	16.1%	1,122
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	1,694	6.7%	13.4%	287
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	371	8.6%	8.6%	65
Benton and Franklin Counties	655	13.1%	15.0%	123
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	67	13.4%	11.9%	12
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	121	9.9%	15.2%	22
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	381	12.3%	14.1%	71
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	489	10.6%	14.6%	88
King County	315	9.8%	19.6%	56
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	1,598	14.2%	13.8%	307
Pierce County	159	32.1%	15.2%	40
Snohomish County	149	2.0%	12.4%	23
Spokane County	131	16.0%	13.9%	25
United States	256,100	-2.7%	5.2%	40,600

National employment

Many farm and ranch workers work only part of the year. Workers are in demand from spring to fall, but not in winter. About half as many farm and ranch workers are employed during the winter. Farm and ranch worker jobs are available in all areas of the country.

Major employers:

Commercial farms
Agriculture worker supply services

National outlook

Demand for farm and ranch workers is expected to show little to no change. Technological advances in farm machinery have produced machines that plant and harvest fields. Farms that have these machines need fewer workers to operate them. As more small farms are sold to large farming companies, machines will be used on more land.

Job openings will become available as current workers leave this occupation for various reasons. Some employment for farm and ranch workers is seasonal. In part, this is due to the low pay and the high level of physical labor in this occupation. Job prospects will be best for those who speak English and Spanish.

Other resources

AgForLife

American Farm Bureau Federation
600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 1000W
Washington, DC 20024
202.406.3600

United Farm Workers

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington Farm Bureau
975 Carpenter Road NE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98516
360.357.9975

Washington State Dairy Federation
PO Box 1768
Elma, WA 98541-1768
360.482.3485

References

Career cluster

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zones

Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.