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Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations

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Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations is the fastest declining occupational group, with employment projected to decline 6 percent from 2014 to 2024. Employment is projected to decline from about 972,100 to about 914,900, a loss of about 57,200 jobs. Rising costs have led to consolidation in the agriculture industry and this trend is expected to continue. Additionally, productivity enhancing technologies such as improved herbicides and better equipment enable firms to increase output while decreasing employment.

Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations was one of the lowest paid occupational groups, with a median annual wage of $23,510 in May 2016 compared to the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,040.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2016 MEDIAN PAY
Agricultural Workers	Agricultural workers maintain the quality of farms, crops, and livestock by operating machinery and doing physical labor under the supervision of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.	See How to Become One	$22,540
Fishing and Hunting Workers	Fishing and hunting workers catch and trap various types of animal life. The fish and wild animals they catch are for human food, animal feed, bait, and other uses.	No formal educational credential	$29,280
Forest and Conservation Workers	Forest and conservation workers measure and improve the quality of forests. Under the supervision of foresters and forest and conservation technicians, they develop, maintain, and protect forests.	High school diploma or equivalent	$26,940
Logging Workers	Logging workers harvest thousands of acres of forests each year. The timber they harvest provides the raw material for many consumer goods and industrial products.	High school diploma or equivalent	$37,590