First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
Also called: Supervisors of Farming and Forestry Workers
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.
Also called: Agricultural and Forestry Supervisor, Agriculture Manager, Agronomy Location Manager, Agronomy Manager, Animal Care Supervisor, Animal Caretaker Supervisor
Median pay
$59,320
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,990 – $91,770
People employed
27,960
Holland code
ERC
Enterprising · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (48 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers salary in every state →
What first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers do
- 01Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
- 02Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
- 03Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
- 04Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
- 05Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
- 06Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Perseverance
- Leadership Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers87% · −2%
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers86% · +35%
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers84% · +35%
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers84% · +26%
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers81% · +52%
Change into first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers87% · $58,430
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers78% · $74,450
- Agricultural Technicians76% · $49,630
- Farm Labor Contractors76% · $58,460
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers74% · $89,900
Majors that lead here
- Agricultural Business and Management, General
- Farm/Farm and Ranch Management
- Agricultural Business and Management, Other
- Agricultural Production Operations, General
- Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
- Aquaculture
- Crop Production
- Dairy Husbandry and Production
- Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management
- Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
- Apiculture
- Agricultural Production Operations, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.