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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Also called: Farm Supervisor, Harvesting Supervisor, Hatchery Manager, Logging Supervisor

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

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Median pay BLS, 2025$59,320
Openings a year BLS, 2025–357,200
Typical education to start BLSHigh school diploma or equivalent
AI exposure BLS, Aug 2026 Low
Projected job growth BLS, 2025–35 +3.8%

What the data says: AI could halve the time on 9 of its 30 tasks, and jobs are projected to grow 3.8% by 2035. How to think about this →

About this projection

BLS builds AI into its projections where the research supports it: “BLS generally applies adjustments based on this research conservatively, where there is convincing evidence for a change.”

It also notes a limit: “BLS projection methods are not designed to capture extremely rapid technological change.”

On its AI exposure groups, BLS says exposure “does not imply job loss.”

Recent conditions

  • In 2024, 2.0% of people in this work were unemployed, against 3.8% across all occupations Census ACS 2024
  • From Sep 2025 to Aug 2026, 7.8 hires for every 10 job openings in wholesale trade, which employs about 11% of people in this work, against 7.3 across all industries BLS JOLTS One box per opening, filled for each hire; hires beyond the openings are added in a lighter shade. Higher can mean openings get filled, or that people leave often; lower, that jobs go unfilled, or hiring is slow.

How to read these

Pay compared with all occupations BLS median wages Pays more than 47% of 825 occupations
lowest-paidhighest-paid

Median pay by state BLS OEWS May 2025, state estimates

$50k$81knot published

Median pay in every state
StateMedianMiddle half earnJobs
Alabama$60,710$50,180 to $77,310590
Arizona$64,900$51,540 to $79,520480
Arkansas$62,790$47,120 to $72,090240
California$56,280$45,440 to $74,20010,450
Colorado$66,030$48,770 to $84,540640
Connecticut$59,460$54,660 to $67,82060
Delaware$66,550$54,470 to $78,12070
Florida$58,780$43,730 to $74,190940
Georgia$70,560$51,920 to $82,460770
Hawaii$60,050$52,300 to $64,000230
Idaho$69,360$49,700 to $77,510530
Illinois$59,030$43,690 to $85,780510
Indiana$75,460$60,100 to $91,480220
Iowa$59,150$47,350 to $72,380360
Kansas$58,670$46,170 to $68,780270
Kentucky$62,030$46,720 to $80,270320
Louisiana$59,020$50,630 to $67,950490
Maine$64,290$60,740 to $84,540100
Maryland$62,230$48,930 to $76,380200
Massachusetts$59,640$54,300 to $75,100390
Michigan$55,460$45,930 to $64,690500
Minnesota$81,480$56,850 to $94,100230
Mississippi$60,890$52,060 to $79,200440
Missouri$60,950$49,440 to $70,810430
Montana$64,990$50,140 to $75,920260
Nebraska$62,620$47,130 to $76,50090
Nevada$61,180$44,200 to $71,780130
New Hampshire$74,420$61,940 to $98,73040
New Jersey$57,240$48,740 to $74,350270
New Mexico$50,160$45,700 to $64,960220
New York$66,460$59,940 to $74,640520
North Carolina$58,700$49,350 to $68,440560
Ohio$54,940$46,480 to $63,440380
Oklahoma$62,040$48,450 to $72,380220
Oregon$57,940$49,480 to $73,150840
Pennsylvania$58,570$52,730 to $73,110530
Puerto Rico$33,800$25,430 to $78,420210
Rhode Island$53,770$49,930 to $61,57060
South Carolina$56,730$51,690 to $73,720370
South Dakota$57,880$53,770 to $68,310110
Tennessee$52,960$41,360 to $66,550170
Texas$53,170$43,000 to $62,9801,150
Utah$52,760$45,760 to $75,880160
Vermont$68,630$59,020 to $84,30040
Virginia$56,990$48,550 to $70,920670
Washington$66,200$49,660 to $79,8101,220
West Virginia$53,190$48,770 to $61,29070
Wisconsin$62,610$47,280 to $76,030330
Wyoming$59,640$41,440 to $74,18040

Nationally: $59,320. Shades run from the lowest state median to the highest; a territory below that range takes the lightest. How to read this

How AI touches the work

What AI could speed up, task by task, and where people already use it.

AI could halve the time on 9 of its 30 tasks

0 · AI alone could halve the time 9 · AI + software built on it could 21 · Not much
AI ratingIts main tasks Share of Claude conversations
May 2026
Not much Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted. under 0.01%
Not much Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations. Not published
AI + software Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped. Not published
Not much Train workers in spawning, rearing, cultivating, and harvesting methods, and in the use of equipment. Not published
AI + software Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters. Not published
Not much Train workers in techniques such as planting, harvesting, weeding, or insect identification and in the use of safety measures. Not published
See all 30 tasks
Not much Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting. Not published
Not much Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations. Not published
Not much Treat animal illnesses or injuries, following experience or instructions of veterinarians. Not published
Not much Inspect crops, fields, or plant stock to determine conditions and need for cultivating, spraying, weeding, or harvesting. under 0.01%
Not much Confer with managers to evaluate weather or soil conditions, to develop plans or procedures, or to discuss issues such as changes in fertilizers, herbicides, or cultivating techniques. Not published
AI + software Communicate with forestry personnel regarding forest harvesting or forest management plans, procedures, or schedules. Not published
Not much Perform both supervisory and management functions, such as accounting, marketing, and personnel work. Not published
AI + software Coordinate dismantling, moving, and setting up equipment at new work sites. Not published
AI + software Coordinate the selection and movement of logs from storage areas, according to transportation schedules or production requirements. Not published
Not much Schedule work crews, equipment, or transportation for several different work locations. Not published
AI + software Confer with managers to determine production requirements, conditions of equipment and supplies, and work schedules. Not published
Not much Inspect facilities to determine maintenance needs. Not published
Not much Drive or operate farm machinery, such as trucks, tractors, or self-propelled harvesters, to transport workers or supplies or to cultivate or harvest fields. Not published
Not much Requisition or purchase supplies, such as insecticides, machine parts or lubricants, or tools. Not published
AI + software Prepare and maintain time or payroll reports, as well as details of personnel actions, such as performance evaluations, hires, promotions, or disciplinary actions. Not published
Not much Transport or arrange for transport of animals, equipment, food, animal feed, and other supplies to and from work sites. Not published
Not much Inspect buildings, fences, fields or ranges, supplies, and equipment to determine work to be performed. Not published
Not much Issue equipment, such as farm implements, machinery, ladders, or containers to workers, and collect equipment when work is complete. Not published
AI + software Read inventory records, customer orders, or shipping schedules to determine required activities. 0.01%
Not much Monitor or oversee construction projects, such as horticultural buildings or irrigation systems. Not published
AI + software Calculate or monitor budgets for maintenance or development of collections, grounds, or infrastructure. Not published
Not much Direct or assist with the adjustment or repair of equipment or machinery. Not published
Not much Monitor operations to identify and solve problems, improve work methods, and ensure compliance with safety, company, and government regulations. under 0.01%
Not much Plan work schedules according to personnel and equipment availability. Not published

Ordered by how important O*NET's respondents rate each task (1 to 5) times the share who say it is part of their job. The ordering is ours. O*NET hasn't rated 3 of the tasks, so they come last, in O*NET's own order. 4 of the 30 have a published share of Claude conversations; “not published” means too few conversations for Anthropic to publish a figure.

Where people already use AI

The tasks above say what AI could speed up. This shows what people are using it for. Its 30 tasks fall under 18 work activities that many occupations share, and Microsoft counted how often each one came up in 200,000 conversations with its Copilot assistant in 2024.

Tasks AI could speed up9 of 30 tasksEloundou et al. ratings (2023)
Its activities among the 50 people ask AI for help with most0 of 18 activities Microsoft Copilot (2024), ranked among all 332 activities. The cut-off of 50 is ours.
Work activity This occupation's tasks under it People asked AI for help
in 10,000 conversations		 AI did it for them
in 10,000 conversations
Manage agricultural or forestry operations 0.13#312 0.02#304
Communicate with others about operational plans or activities 9.39#92 28#39
Train others on operational or work procedures 1.60#211 29#38
Schedule operational activities 4.88#128 2.89#116
Monitor health conditions of humans or animals 3.67#151 0.45#212
Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance 3.59#153 0.73#180
Maintain operational records 2.92#170 0.49#209
Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment 0.84#245 0.32#232
Show all 18 activities
Replenish inventories of materials, equipment, or products 0.43#276 0.10#268
Maintain tools or equipment 4.47#136 1.04#167
Monitor financial data or activities 4.28#138 0.55#193
Monitor operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards 2.67#176 4.32#99
Evaluate production inputs or outputs 2.18#194 0.81#171
Treat injuries, illnesses, or diseases 1.95#199 0.14#258
Assign work to others 1.46#215 0.18#247
Direct scientific or technical activities 1.24#227 1.58#137
Move materials, equipment, or supplies 0.65#261 0.09#272
Operate agricultural or forestry equipment 0.16#306 0.03#290
Task: AI alone Task: AI + software Task: not much #: rank among all 332 activities Microsoft measured (#1 = most common; activities that never came up share last place, shown as “tied”)
Where the two sources differ: “Manage agricultural or forestry operations” holds 2 tasks rated AI + software, yet people asked AI for help with it in 0.13 of every 10,000 conversations, #312 of 332.

How people in this work use Claude

What people in this work made with Claude % of conversations

  • An analysis or summary21%
  • An explanation or answer10%
  • A document or report9%
  • Advice or a recommendation8%
  • An email or message4%

How they worked with Claude

95% handed the task off5% worked on it together

77% of these conversations were about work. Anthropic Economic Index, May 2026.

How to read this

Work activities come from O*NET, which links every task to the broader activities it involves. Microsoft's figures are for the activity across everyone who used Copilot, not for first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers specifically. Copilot is a general chat assistant; dedicated coding tools are not included, so programming help is under-counted here. Activities are listed by how many of this occupation's tasks fall under them.

The task ratings say whether AI could halve the time a task takes: on its own (“AI alone”), or with software built on it (“AI + software”). They were made by people in 2023 (Eloundou et al.). Claude's share is the task's share of all Claude.ai conversations in May 2026; Anthropic doesn't publish a task with too few conversations. None of these add up to the BLS exposure group, which combines five research measures.

More in the Guide: task ratings · task order · work activities · Copilot figures · Claude

High exposure doesn't mean fewer jobs

BLS projects most occupations in its two most exposed groups to grow: 141 of 206 rated Very high and 165 of 206 rated High. Each dot is one of the 831 occupations BLS rates.

AI exposure and projected job growth, 831 occupationsLow exposure: 134 of 213 occupations projected to grow. Moderate exposure: 151 of 206 occupations projected to grow. High exposure: 165 of 206 occupations projected to grow. Very high exposure: 141 of 206 occupations projected to grow.-20%-15%-10%-5%0%+5%+10%+15%+20%+25%Low134 of 213 growingModerate151 of 206 growingHigh165 of 206 growingVery high141 of 206 growing11 occupations outside −20% to +25% are drawn at the edge. Click a dot to see that occupation.First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers: +3.8%First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry WorkersAI exposure and projected job growth, 831 occupationsLow exposure: 134 of 213 occupations projected to grow. Moderate exposure: 151 of 206 occupations projected to grow. High exposure: 165 of 206 occupations projected to grow. Very high exposure: 141 of 206 occupations projected to grow.-20%-15%-10%-5%0%+5%+10%+15%+20%+25%Low134 of 213Moderate151 of 206High165 of 206Very high141 of 20611 occupations outside −20% to +25% are drawn at the edge. Tap a dot.First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers: +3.8%First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Career moves into and out of this occupation

From moves between occupations found in online resumes, 2002–2016. Career changes only: a first job after school isn't a move.

Where people moved next

of 4,079 moves out

  1. 1 General and Operations Managers High +5.0% 11%
  2. 2 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 6%
  3. 3 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Moderate +3.8% 6%
  4. 4 Human Resources Managers High +5.5% 3%
  5. 5 Computer Occupations, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 3%

Where people moved in from

of 4,292 moves in

  1. 1 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 6%
  2. 2 General and Operations Managers High +5.0% 5%
  3. 3 Receptionists and Information Clerks Very high -1.7% 4%
  4. 4 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Very high -6.0% 4%
  5. 5 Office Clerks, General Very high -6.0% 4%

Resumes over-represent younger, white-collar job-seekers and moves into management. Schubert, Stansbury and Taska (resume data).

Education and training for the occupation

Education people in it hold

O*NET survey of workers in this occupation

  • 10% less than high school
  • 32% high school
  • 14% postsecondary certificate
  • 6% some college
  • 4% associate's
  • 33% bachelor's
  • 2% master's

O*NET 31.0 survey of workers in this occupation · 98 people answered.

Census survey (American Community Survey)

  • 26% less than high school
  • 31% high school
  • 18% some college
  • 8% associate's
  • 14% bachelor's
  • 2% master's

Census ACS 2024, all workers in this occupation · 476 people surveyed.

Why the two can differ

O*NET asks about 20 people in each occupation, which makes its shares uncertain, but it reports the exact occupation and counts certificates. The Census survey reaches thousands, but it groups some occupations together and counts degrees only. More in the Guide

Median pay by highest degree full-time, year-round · Census ACS 2024, all workers in this occupation

Programs that prepare people for it (NCES)
26 programs, such as Agricultural Business and Management, General, Farm/Farm and Ranch Management and Agricultural Business and Management, Other.
See all
  • 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
  • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
  • Greenhouse Operations and Management
  • Plant Nursery Operations and Management
  • Animal Sciences, General
  • Dairy Science
  • Livestock Management
  • Poultry Science
  • Animal Sciences, Other
  • Viticulture and Enology
  • Plant Sciences, General
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
  • Forestry, General
  • Forest Resources Production and Management

Jobs that require a credential BLS Occupational Requirements Survey 2023

BLS publishes no credential figures for this occupation.

Look up certifications, training and licenses U.S. Department of Labor

  • Certification Finder ↗ certifications CareerOneStop lists for this occupation
  • Training Finder ↗ schools and programs, nationwide; narrow the place there
  • License Finder ↗ licenses by state
  • Apprenticeship Finder ↗ DOL lists 1 registered apprenticeship in this occupation (Bison Herd Manager). Apprenticeship.gov can't be linked to one occupation, so search for “First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers” there.

These open in a new tab and send only the occupation's public code. More in the Guide

See where your own career could go Start by uploading your resume Browse careers

BLS AI exposure categories (Aug 2026) · BLS Employment Projections 2025–35 · O*NET 31.0 · Task ratings: Eloundou et al., Science (2024) · Microsoft "Working with AI" v1.1 · Anthropic Economic Index (2026-06-26) · Schubert, Stansbury and Taska · NCES CIP–SOC · Census ACS 2024 · BLS JOLTS

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