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

SOC code 45-1011 · O*NET-SOC 45-1011.00 · Medium preparation needed

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

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$59,320

a year

Hourly

$28.52

per hour

10th$38,990Median$59,32090th$91,770

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$62,730

$30.16 per hour

Middle 50%

$46,670 – $75,290

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,990 – $91,770

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

27,960

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,990; $18.75/hr
25th percentile: $46,670; $22.44/hr
Median percentile: $59,320; $28.52/hr
75th percentile: $75,290; $36.20/hr
90th percentile: $91,770; $44.12/hr

What do first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
Monitor workers to ensure that safety regulations are followed, warning or disciplining those who violate safety regulations.
Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, notifying veterinarians or managers as warranted.
Observe fish and beds or ponds to detect diseases, monitor fish growth, determine quality of fish, or determine completeness of harvesting.
Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
Treat animal illnesses or injuries, following experience or instructions of veterinarians.
Train workers in spawning, rearing, cultivating, and harvesting methods, and in the use of equipment.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 33% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree33%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
Post-Secondary Certificate14%
Less than a High School Diploma10%

Common questions

How much does a first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers earn?

The national median is $59,320 a year. The full range runs from $38,990 at the 10th percentile to $91,770 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.8/5
Speaking3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Active Listening3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Administration and Management3.9/5
Production and Processing3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
English Language3.4/5
Mechanical3.4/5
Education and Training3.3/5
Biology3.2/5
Food Production3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Time Management, Management of Personnel Resources, Social Perceptiveness, Instructing.