5 Great Careers In Agriculture - The Best Master's degrees (2024)

FAQs

What is the best major in agriculture? ›

These careers encompass a wide range of jobs in food production, natural resources, plant systems, animal management and much more.

Working in agriculture gives people a chance to work outside with their hands and learn more about the natural world around them. It can also be an excellent way to live more sustainably and assist in environmental conservation. Working in agriculture can also allow you to make a difference in your community.

Agriculture has five branches namely; agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, animal husbandry, horticulture and agronomy. It plays a positive role in the improvement of the economy. Agriculture is also a source of food and raw materials to industries.

Physicians and surgeons report the highest salaries in the U.S., with pediatric surgeons earning the highest mean wage at nearly $450,000 per year, the BLS reports. Cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists and surgeons also rank among the highest-paid occupations in the country.

In 2022, the median income from farming was $178,692 for households operating commercial farms, and their median total household income was $252,728. Households associated with intermediate farms reported median farm income of -$125 and a median total household income of $73,304.

How many hours a day does a farmer work? ›

We take the average of 230 hours a month or 53 hours a week* for the typical worker on a farm. Depending on the time of the year, everyone on a farm will work the hours needed to get the job done.

You're working on feeding the masses, ending food poverty and making the world a happier place. As custodians of the environment, farmers play an important role in keeping the countryside green, so that future generations can continue in a career that has lasted millennia.

Agriculture impacts global trade because it's tied to other sectors of the economy, supporting job creation and encouraging economic development. Countries with strong agricultural sectors experience employment growth in other sectors, according to USAID.

Farming is Meaningful Work

Agriculture, logging and forestry have the highest levels of self-reported happiness— and lowest levels of self-reported stress—of any major industry category, according to our analysis of…the Bureau of Labor Statistics' American Time Use Survey.”

Many people choose to study agriculture so they can help their community and the world. They want to make farming more sustainable, eco-friendly and efficient to feed the growing world population. If you get an agriculture degree, you can work in a variety of office or field environments.

The demand for food and farm products keeps increasing globally. Farmers who manage to tap into specialty markets or make improvements through technology and improved sustainability practices will often see good rewards.

The best Agriculture jobs can pay up to $190,500 per year.

Agriculture science and engineering careers focus on soil, plant life cycles, irrigation, or farm machinery. You could also work in this industry as a livestock veterinarian.