Food Science Technicians
Median wage · national
$52,130
Range: $46K – $63K
Employed
15K
Openings/yr
3K
Typically: associate's degree
TRADES
Farming Supervisors
Farming Supervisors earn $59,320 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $46,670 and $75,290. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
About Farming Supervisors
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.
- Median Wage
- $59,320
- Employed Nationally
- 28K
- Openings / Year
- 8,500
- Entry Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Job Zone
- Zone 3: Medium Preparation
Also known as:
Agricultural and Forestry Supervisor
Agriculture Manager
Agronomy Location Manager
Agronomy Manager
Animal Care Supervisor
How Much Do Farming Supervisors Make?
Farming Supervisors earn $59,320 nationally, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,670 and $75,290. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$59,320
National Median (Annual)
Near the national median for college graduates.
$47K–$75K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$46,670
Entry-level
$59,320
Median
$75,290
Experienced
What Do Farming Supervisors Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Farming Supervisors roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
- Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
- Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
- Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
- Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Speaking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Who Thrives Here
E
Enterprising
Leadership, influence, and business acumen are rewarded here, where managing teams, driving decisions, or persuading others shapes career outcomes.
R
Realistic
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
Where Do Farming Supervisors Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Farming Supervisors?
The BLS projects +2.5% employment change for Farming Supervisors through 2034, below the national average of +5%. About 8,500 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +2.5%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Slower than average.
8,500
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
28K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Farming Supervisors professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $59,320 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 10,680 | $57,550 | -3.0% |
| 2 | Texas | 1,290 | $56,940 | -4.0% |
| 3 | Washington | 1,140 | $60,930 | +2.7% |
| 4 | Georgia | 1,050 | $74,750 | +26.0% |
| 5 | Florida | 1,010 | $53,140 | -10.4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Farming Supervisors positions require a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify. The 9 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone
Zone 3: Medium Preparation
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Animal Sciences | 8,396 | $49,634 | 157 |
| 2 | Agricultural Business and Management | 8,085 | $66,647 | 380 |
| 3 | Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business | 3,932 | $58,494 | 286 |
| 4 | Agricultural Production Operations | 3,522 | $53,588 | 283 |
| 5 | Plant Sciences | 3,307 | $56,567 | 157 |
| 6 | Forestry | 2,243 | $58,784 | 133 |
| 7 | Food Science and Technology | 2,181 | $70,873 | 162 |
| 8 | Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management | 505 | $47,243 | 30 |
| 9 | Agricultural and Food Products Processing | 198 | $80,757 | 30 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Farming Supervisors
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA | 93 | $13,481 | $92,446 |
| 2 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
| 3 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA | 90 | $14,741 | $80,838 |
| 4 | Victor Valley College Victorville, CA | 90 | $1,947 | $36,119 |
| 5 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL | 89 | $14,355 | $81,054 |
| 6 | College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MO | 88 | $6,100 | $41,592 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Farming Supervisors, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Farming Supervisors pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Farming Supervisors Pros & Cons
The data on Farming Supervisors shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
PROS
- Competitive salary $59,320 median wage puts this career near or above the national average for bachelor's degree holders.
- Accessible entry path The typical entry requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, lower than many comparable-paying careers. This creates a shorter path from training to first paycheck.
CONS
- Slow job growth At +2.5% projected growth, this career lags the national average. Limited expansion means stiffer competition for openings that do appear.
Farming Supervisors Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Farming Supervisors professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Farming Supervisors is $59,320, near the national median for full-time workers. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,670 and $75,290. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Farming Supervisors a good career?
For people genuinely interested in the work, yes. At $59,320 median, though slow job growth means most openings come from workers leaving the field rather than new positions being created. Compare program net price against local salary outcomes (not just the national median) before committing.
How do I become a Farming Supervisors?
Most Farming Supervisors positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum credential. a medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience. Programs like Animal Sciences are common starting points.
What is the job outlook for Farming Supervisors?
The BLS projects +2.5% employment change for Farming Supervisors through 2034, slower than average compared to all occupations. About 8,500 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 28K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Farming Supervisors professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Farming Supervisors roles: Critical Thinking, Coordination, Speaking, Monitoring, and Reading Comprehension. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
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