The job market for agricultural workers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 268,100 agricultural workers in the United States. The agricultural worker job market is expected to shrink by -3.8% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are agricultural workers?

CareerExplorer rates agricultural workers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 1,300 agricultural workers. That number is based on the retirement of 11,400 existing agricultural workers.

Are agricultural workers in demand?

Employment of agricultual workers is being thwarted by several factors. Consolidation and mergers of farms are reducing the overall number of workers in this occupation. Technological advancements in farm equipment are raising worker output and productivity. Increasingly, farmworkers are not hired directly by farms, but by farm labor contractors that supply farms with seasonal and short-term manpower. Free trade agreements are also impacting the agriculture industry, as it faces growing competition from foreign countries and rising imports. Despite these issues, the low wages and physical demands of many of the industry’s jobs will ensure continued high turnover and create a need to replace large numbers of workers who leave. Animal breeders, among the industry’s more educated and higher-paid employees, will experience relative stability and better employment opportunities.

What’s the supply of agricultural workers?

The agricultural worker industry is concentrated in Texas, California, Kentucky

Agricultural Worker job market by state