Career comparison
Farm Labor Contractor vs. Farm Manager
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Farm managers earn more at the median ($89,900 vs. $58,460), while farm labor contractors usually get to work faster (Years of farm work experience of training). Farm labor contractors recruit and manage seasonal farm crews for growers. Farm managers run farms and ranches, from planting and livestock to budgets and sales.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Farm Labor Contractor | Farm Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,460 ($28.11/hr) | $89,900 ($43.22/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $30,930 – $84,050 | $54,320 – $160,020 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.4% (much faster than average) | -3.4% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 100 | 70,800 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Years of farm work experience | 5+ years of farm experience |
| Key credential | DOL farm labor contractor registration | Private pesticide applicator license |
| Work setting | Contractors work in fields, offices and vehicles.. | Farm managers work outdoors in fields and barns and in farm offices, in all weather.. |
What each job does
Farm Labor Contractor
- Recruit workers
- Schedule crews
- Arrange transportation
- Arrange housing
- Handle payroll
Farm Manager
- Plan crop and livestock production
- Manage planting, harvesting and animal care
- Hire and supervise workers
- Maintain equipment and facilities
- Manage budgets, loans and insurance
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, in-demand, working independently, and high responsibility. Both are part of the agriculture, landscaping & animal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose farm labor contractor if…
- I know farm work
- I can lead crews
- I follow rules carefully
Choose farm manager if…
- I love land and animals
- I want to run my own business
- I can handle risk
Still torn? Take the Farm Labor Contractor fit quiz and the Farm Manager fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, farm labor contractor or farm manager?
Farm Managers earn more at the median: $89,900 versus $58,460 for farm labor contractors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Farm Labor Contractors typically train faster (Years of farm work experience) than farm managers (5+ years of farm experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects farm labor contractors to grow +7.4% from 2025–35, compared with -3.4% for farm managers.