Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
SOC Code: 11-9013
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers carries a 28% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $87,980 and -1.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 836,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 28% AI exposure, Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers sits 9 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 23% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers has ai exposure of 28%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers (SOC 11-9013) carries an AI exposure score of 28%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 836,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -1.3% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $87,980, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data.
- 2. Manage nurseries that grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
- 3. Direct and monitor trapping and spawning of fish, egg incubation, and fry rearing, applying knowledge of management and fish culturing techniques.
- 4. Direct and monitor the transfer of mature fish to lakes, ponds, streams, or commercial tanks.
- 5. Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire.
- 6. Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting and care schedules.
- 7. Devise and participate in activities to improve fish hatching and growth rates, and to prevent disease in hatcheries.
- 8. Position and regulate plant irrigation systems, and program environmental and irrigation control computers.
- 9. Prepare reports required by state and federal laws.
- 10. Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Personnel and Human Resources
- English Language
- Food Production
- Economics and Accounting
- Sales and Marketing
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers?
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers has an AI exposure score of 28%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline by 1.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 836,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers?
Key skills for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers earn?
The median annual wage for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is $87,980, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers?
The typical entry-level education for Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers?
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).