Agriculture

Agriculture is the industry that feeds the country and much of the world, from farms, orchards and vineyards to fisheries, forestry, food science and the agribusiness behind them. It is changing fast, with drones, sensors and data now as much a part of farming as tractors.

It's a great fit if you like working outdoors, want variety through the seasons and are interested in science and technology as much as the land. You can start on a farm, do an apprenticeship, study at community college or a four-year college, and move into agronomy, management or your own operation.

At a glance

Job outlook
Stable
The country will always need to grow food, and the roles are shifting toward agronomy, technology and management.
Median salary
$54,000
most between $32,000 and $90,000
Roles not requiring a degree
69%
across 48 occupations
Roles and settings
48
Outdoors on farms and stations, in labs and processing plants, often regional.

Sources: O*NET, IPEDS / College Scorecard, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES)

Why Agriculture?

Outdoor work with real purpose, and more science and technology every year.

A clear college pathway
Work outdoors, not at a desk
Technology is changing the job
Run your own operation one day

Do you have any questions about Agriculture? Just ask me!

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Industry outlook

Stable
The US will always need to grow food, and the roles are shifting towards agronomy, technology and management rather than disappearing.
A pathway for everyone
Start with on-farm work or an apprenticeship, do a community college certificate, or study agriculture, agribusiness or veterinary science in college.

Entry requirements

Typical GPA range: Not required for most programs; 3.0 – 3.5 GPA for degree pathways
Prerequisites: A driver's license for most on-farm roles; a pesticide applicator license for spraying; no degree needed for most entry roles.
Pathways: College degrees, on-the-job work, community college certificates, or apprenticeships.
Duration: Months to years, depending on the chosen pathway.