General Farmworkers perform a broad range of tasks, from planting and harvesting crops to operating basic farm equipment and maintaining facilities. If variety, hands-on work, and the outdoors appeal to you, this role could be a great entry point into agriculture. Cement your fit by taking a free career assessment at Assessment.com.
1. What Does a General Farmworker Do?
- Crop Tasks: Plant, cultivate, irrigate, and harvest fruits, vegetables, and field crops by hand or with small machinery.
- Equipment Operation: Run tractors, cultivators, sprayers, and loaders for routine farm operations.
- Facility Upkeep: Clean barns, maintain fences, repair irrigation lines, and manage storage areas.
- Livestock Support (as needed): Feed, water, and observe farm animals; assist with basic husbandry tasks under supervision.
- Pest & Weed Control: Apply herbicides/pesticides following safety protocols and scout for infestations.
- Packaging & Sorting: Clean, grade, and pack produce for market.
- Record-Keeping: Log field activities, pesticide usage, and equipment maintenance.
2. Why This Role Matters
- Versatile Support: General farmworkers keep all aspects of farm operations running smoothly.
- Entry-Level Access: Minimal formal education required; on-the-job training provides skill development.
- Foundation for Growth: Experience paves the way to specialized or supervisory positions.
3. Personality & Interests: Would You Like It?
- Adaptable & Practical: You enjoy switching between tasks and solving day-to-day challenges.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: If you thrive in sun, rain, and changing seasons, the field is calling.
- Team Player: Collaboration with diverse crews ensures efficient operations.
- Safety Conscious: Following protocols keeps you and colleagues healthy.
MAPP Fit Insight
High Realistic and Conventional scores on a career assessment often sync with general farmworker roles. Take your free assessment at Assessment.com to confirm your fit.
4. Core Skills & Competencies
| Skill Category | Key Abilities |
| Manual Dexterity | Planting, harvesting, sorting |
| Equipment Operation | Tractors, loaders, sprayers |
| Maintenance | Fencing, irrigation repairs, facility cleaning |
| Safety Practices | Chemical handling, PPE use, hazard recognition |
| Teamwork | Coordinating tasks, following supervisor directions |
| Record-Keeping | Activity logs, input tracking |
5. Education & Training Pathways
- High School Diploma / GED (often preferred)
- On-the-Job Training under experienced farm staff
- Short Courses/Certifications
- Pesticide Applicator Certification
- Equipment Operator Safety Courses
2025 BLS Salary and Job Outlook
The figures below are U.S. national estimates. Wages refer to May 2025; job growth and annual openings refer separately to the 2025–2035 BLS employment projections.
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
Related O*NET occupation: Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse (45-2092.00). BLS reporting code: 45-2092.
Scope: These figures describe the full BLS occupation listed above, which may include other specialties and job titles. BLS does not publish a separate estimate for this exact guide title.
- Median wage (May 2025): $35,660 per year.
- Mean wage (May 2025): $37,630 per year.
- 10th percentile wage (May 2025): $32,900 per year.
- 25th percentile wage (May 2025): $34,320 per year.
- 75th percentile wage (May 2025): $38,840 per year.
- 90th percentile wage (May 2025): $45,690 per year.
- OEWS employment estimate (May 2025): 265,500. This estimate excludes self-employed workers.
- Employment in the projections base year (2025): 546,800.
- Projected employment (2035): 533,600.
- Projected employment change (2025–2035): -2.4%.
- Projected annual openings (2025–2035 average): 72,500. Openings include employment growth and workers leaving the occupation; they are not all newly created jobs.
Wage percentiles describe the distribution of wages, not guaranteed entry-level or experienced-worker salaries. National figures can differ from pay in a particular state, industry, or employer. OEWS wages do not include self-employed earnings. The projections employment estimates use a different coverage basis and may include self-employed workers.
Sources: BLS May 2025 national OEWS wage estimates; BLS 2025–2035 occupational projections, Table 1.2; BLS OEWS coverage and definitions.
6. Salary & Compensation
Median Annual Salary: ~$28,000
Entry-Level Range: $22,000 – $26,000
Experienced Farmhands: $30,000 – $38,000+
Overtime and seasonal bonuses may boost income during peak seasons.
7. Job Outlook & Growth Paths
- Stable Demand: Food production ensures ongoing need.
- Specialty Transition: Move into organic farming, greenhouse operations, or equipment maintenance.
- Supervisory Step: Become a crew lead or first-line supervisor with experience and training.
8. Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Accessible entry point | Physically demanding |
| Diverse daily tasks | Seasonal fluctuations in work availability |
| Paths to specialization and promotion | Exposure to weather and farm chemicals |
| Outdoor work environment | Irregular hours during planting/harvest |
9. Tips for Success
- Be Proactive: Volunteer for varied tasks to broaden skills.
- Learn Equipment Basics: Even basic maintenance knowledge is valuable.
- Embrace Safety Training: Fewer incidents mean more trust and responsibility.
- Document Your Work: Keep clear records to showcase reliability.
10. Would I Like It?
Ideal if you:
- Enjoy varied, practical work outdoors.
- Are comfortable learning on the go.
- Value teamwork and direct impact on food production.
11. My MAPP Fit
Validate whether your Realistic and Conventional preferences align by taking the free career assessment at Assessment.com. Plant the seeds for your agricultural career today!
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