FAQ
Farm Manager FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a farm manager.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a farm manager: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about farm managers
Do farm managers need a degree?
Not always, but agriculture degrees help.
Is farming profitable?
It can be, but income varies with weather and markets.
What skills matter most?
Production knowledge, finance and management.
How much does a farm manager make?
The median annual wage for farm managers was $89,900 ($43.22 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $54,320 and the highest 10% earned more than $160,020.
How long does it take to become a farm manager?
Most people need about 5+ years of farm experience of training. A high school diploma plus years of farm experience is typical. Many farm managers have degrees in agriculture or agribusiness.
Do you need a degree to be a farm manager?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
Is farm manager a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -3.4% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 70,800 openings each year. Upsides include independence; a common challenge is that weather and market risk.
What skills does a farm manager need?
Key technical skills include crop and livestock management, farm equipment, farm finance, and marketing and commodity pricing. Employers also value decision making, resilience, and leadership.
What certifications are available for farm managers?
Common credentials include Private pesticide applicator license, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), and Accredited Farm Manager (AFM). Farmers who apply restricted-use pesticides need a private applicator license. Farms must follow environmental and labor regulations.
Still deciding?
Try the Farm Manager fit quiz, compare with Farmworker, or explore Farm Manager training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9013 (Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.