Most Agricultural Production Operations programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $38,189 right after finishing, climbing to $53,588 four years out.
Agricultural Production Operations is a focused area of study within Agriculture. Graduates typically earn around $53,588 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 283 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 3,522 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$38,189
Median Earnings · 4yr
$53,588
Colleges Offering
283
Graduates / Year
3,522
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,319
How Much Do Agricultural Production Operations Graduates Earn?
Agricultural Production Operations graduates earn $53,588 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,952 and $74,432. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $38,189 climbs to $53,588 by year four.
$38,189
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$53,588
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$52,516
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Agricultural Production Operations graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$37,95225th pct.
$53,588Median
$74,43275th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $53,588 and an estimated $61,276 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.6 years.
Based on outcomes from 69 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 3,522 students who complete Agricultural Production Operations programs each year, the majority (47%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
47%28%
Associate's47%
Bachelor's28%
Certificate17%
What Can You Do With an Agricultural Production Operations Degree?
Agricultural Production Operations connects to 6 occupations in the job market. Agricultural Sciences Teachers leads at $98,700/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
High school diploma or equivalent85,500 openings/yr7K employed nationally
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingSpeaking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.
Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingSocial Perceptiveness
Day-to-day responsibilities
Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.
Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
Collaborate with producers to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.
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.
Top Colleges for Agricultural Production Operations
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Agricultural Production Operations students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Agricultural Production Operations graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Agriculture Programs
Agricultural Production Operations is one of 19 specializations within Agriculture. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
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Agricultural Production Operations Degree: Pros & Cons
The data on Agricultural Production Operations shows 4 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $38,189 at graduation to $53,588 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlookRelated careers project up to +5.4% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 100,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Flexible credential pathsPrograms are available from certificate and associate levels through bachelor's and graduate degrees, giving students real options based on timeline and goals.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $53,588 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Agricultural Production Operations Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Agricultural Production Operations graduates earn?
Agricultural Production Operations graduates earn a national median of $53,588 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,952 and $74,432. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Agricultural Production Operations degree?
One year after graduation, Agricultural Production Operations degree holders earn a median of $38,189. That climbs to $53,588 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Agricultural Production Operations degree?
Agricultural Production Operations degree holders pursue careers including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, which pays a median of $98,700/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Agricultural Production Operations program take?
A Agricultural Production Operations associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Agricultural Production Operations?
283 colleges and universities in the United States offer Agricultural Production Operations programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Agricultural Production Operations degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $53,588 and an average net price of roughly $15,319/yr, a Agricultural Production Operations degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Agricultural Production Operations and Agriculture?
Agricultural Production Operations is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Agricultural Production Operations-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Agricultural Production Operations graduates?
Employers hiring Agricultural Production Operations graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Agricultural Production Operations graduates?
The job outlook for Agricultural Production Operations graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +1.9% job growth over the next 10 years. Soil and Plant Scientists is among the strongest-growth roles at +5.4%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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