Agricultural Engineer
Design farm equipment, irrigation and systems that grow food better.
- $98,590/yr median
- +6.9% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Career field
Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care Careers
Grow food, care for animals and keep land, trees and green spaces healthy.
Agriculture, landscaping and animal care careers are for people who would rather work outdoors, with plants and animals, than at a desk. They range from entry-level farmworkers, landscapers and kennel staff to veterinary technicians, equipment mechanics, arborists and farm managers.
Many roles train on the job, and licenses and certifications move pay up quickly: a state pesticide applicator license, an ISA arborist certification, a CDL for hauling, or credentialing as a veterinary technician. Work is often seasonal and weather-dependent, with long days at planting, harvest and peak landscaping season.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
24 agriculture and animal care careers
Agricultural Equipment Operator
Drive tractors, combines and sprayers to plant and harvest crops.
- $41,730/yr median
- +8.6% growth
- 1–6 months
Agricultural Inspector
Inspect farms, food plants and shipments to protect food safety and agriculture.
- $49,940/yr median
- +2.3% growth
- 4 years + agency training
Agricultural Technician
Support crop, soil and livestock research in fields and labs.
- $49,630/yr median
- +5.4% growth
- 2 years
Animal Caretaker
Feed, groom, exercise and care for pets and animals.
- $35,360/yr median
- +12.1% growth
- 1–4 weeks (longer for grooming)
Animal Scientist
Research livestock nutrition, breeding and health to improve food production.
- $68,940/yr median
- +5.8% growth
- 4-year degree
Animal Trainer
Teach animals behaviors for companionship, service, work and shows.
- $39,990/yr median
- +4.2% growth
- 6 months–2 years
Arborist
Climb, prune and care for trees to keep them healthy and safe.
- $50,960/yr median
- +4.2% growth
- 1–3 months to start
Extension Educator
Bring university research to farmers, families and communities.
- $60,220/yr median
- -3.2% growth
- Master’s plus field experience
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Repair and maintain tractors, combines and precision farm equipment.
- $56,550/yr median
- +10.7% growth
- 1–2 years
Farm Labor Contractor
Recruit and manage seasonal farm crews for growers.
- $58,460/yr median
- +7.4% growth
- Years of farm work experience
Farm Manager
Run farms and ranches, from planting and livestock to budgets and sales.
- $89,900/yr median
- -3.4% growth
- 5+ years of farm experience
Farmworker
Plant, tend and harvest crops in fields, orchards, nurseries and greenhouses.
- $35,660/yr median
- -2.4% growth
- Days to weeks
Forest and Conservation Worker
Plant trees, build trails and help keep forests healthy.
- $43,680/yr median
- -1.5% growth
- 1–3 months
Forester
Manage forests for timber, wildlife, recreation and fire safety.
- $76,400/yr median
- +2.2% growth
- 4-year degree
Landscape Architect
Design parks, campuses and outdoor spaces that work for people and nature.
- $79,870/yr median
- +4.4% growth
- 4–5 years + experience
Landscaper
Plant, mow, trim and care for lawns, gardens and outdoor spaces.
- $39,150/yr median
- +4.7% growth
- 1–4 weeks
Landscaping Supervisor
Lead landscaping and grounds crews to deliver great outdoor spaces.
- $58,430/yr median
- +4.0% growth
- Under 5 years of experience
Logging Equipment Operator
Run the heavy machines that harvest and move timber.
- $49,740/yr median
- -3.8% growth
- 1–12 months
Pesticide Applicator
Apply fertilizers and pesticides safely to lawns, crops and rights-of-way.
- $46,340/yr median
- +3.9% growth
- 1–3 months + license exam
Ranch Hand
Care for cattle, horses and livestock on ranches and farms.
- $36,670/yr median
- -3.2% growth
- Weeks to months
Soil and Plant Scientist
Study soils and crops to help farmers grow more with less.
- $78,850/yr median
- +6.7% growth
- 4-year degree
Veterinary Assistant
Help veterinarians and vet techs care for animals.
- $38,150/yr median
- +9.1% growth
- 2–8 weeks
Veterinary Technician
Care for animals as the nurses of veterinary medicine.
- $47,380/yr median
- +9.4% growth
- 2 years
Compare agriculture and animal care careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agricultural Engineer | $98,590 | +6.9% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Farm Manager | $89,900 | -3.4% | 5+ years of farm experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 3 | Landscape Architect | $79,870 | +4.4% | 4–5 years + experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Soil and Plant Scientist | $78,850 | +6.7% | 4-year degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Forester | $76,400 | +2.2% | 4-year degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 6 | Animal Scientist | $68,940 | +5.8% | 4-year degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Extension Educator | $60,220 | -3.2% | Master’s plus field experience | Master's degree |
| 8 | Farm Labor Contractor | $58,460 | +7.4% | Years of farm work experience | No formal educational credential |
| 9 | Landscaping Supervisor | $58,430 | +4.0% | Under 5 years of experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Farm Equipment Mechanic | $56,550 | +10.7% | 1–2 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 11 | Arborist | $50,960 | +4.2% | 1–3 months to start | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | Agricultural Inspector | $49,940 | +2.3% | 4 years + agency training | Bachelor's degree |
| 13 | Logging Equipment Operator | $49,740 | -3.8% | 1–12 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | Agricultural Technician | $49,630 | +5.4% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 15 | Veterinary Technician | $47,380 | +9.4% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 16 | Pesticide Applicator | $46,340 | +3.9% | 1–3 months + license exam | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 17 | Forest and Conservation Worker | $43,680 | -1.5% | 1–3 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 18 | Agricultural Equipment Operator | $41,730 | +8.6% | 1–6 months | No formal educational credential |
| 19 | Animal Trainer | $39,990 | +4.2% | 6 months–2 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 20 | Landscaper | $39,150 | +4.7% | 1–4 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 21 | Veterinary Assistant | $38,150 | +9.1% | 2–8 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 22 | Ranch Hand | $36,670 | -3.2% | Weeks to months | No formal educational credential |
| 23 | Farmworker | $35,660 | -2.4% | Days to weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 24 | Animal Caretaker | $35,360 | +12.1% | 1–4 weeks (longer for grooming) | High school diploma or equivalent |
Getting hired in agriculture and animal care
A valid driver’s license, a willingness to work outdoors in all weather and basic equipment skills open most doors. Ask employers about paid training and certification support.
What affects pay in this field
- Seasonal versus year-round employment
- Licenses and certifications (pesticide applicator, ISA arborist, credentialed vet tech)
- Equipment skills and CDL endorsements
- Supervisory responsibility and business ownership
Find your fit
Take the Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying agriculture and animal care career on this list?
Agricultural Engineer has the highest median pay among our agriculture and animal care profiles at $98,590 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which agriculture and animal care career is fastest to start?
Farmworker typically takes about Days to weeks of training.
Which agriculture and animal care career is growing fastest?
Animal Caretaker, with projected growth of +12.1% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).
How do I choose the right agriculture and animal care career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.