Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting Employment and Wages in 2022

In 2022, the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry employed over 423 thousand people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 2% from 2021. The annual mean wage in 2022 was $40,220, and the median wage was $34,020. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were lower by 35%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among the industry sub-groups, Support Activities for Crop Production held the largest number of jobs within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry, employing over 345 thousand people in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $38,330, with a median wage of $33,540. There was an increase in wage variance to the national average compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -39.5% to -38.1%, indicating industry wages outpaced national wage trends.

Logging accounted for a substantial employment share, with 46 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $51,410, and the median wage was $47,920. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was a decrease compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -16% to -16.9%.

The sub-group of Support Activities for Animal Production also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 32 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $44,420 and the median wage was $36,140. The wage variance to the national average experienced an increase compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -30.8% to -28.2%.

Highest Employment Occupations

When we examine the top occupations in terms of employment within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry, we find that First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers had the highest annual mean wage in 2022, at $56,660, and a median wage of $50,870. The industry variance to the national average was -3.7%. Logging Equipment Operators had an annual mean wage of $48,330 and a median wage of $47,440. The industry variance to the national average was 3.8%. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers had an annual mean wage of $47,250 and a median wage of $44,460. The industry variance to the national average was -11%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry included Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, with an annual mean wage of $30,840 and a median wage of $31,260. The industry variance to the national average was -6.5%. Packers and Packagers, Hand had an annual mean wage of $32,180 and a median wage of $31,330. The industry variance to the national average was -3.4%. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand had an annual mean wage of $32,660 and a median wage of $30,950. The industry variance to the national average was -12.9%.

Summary

The Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industry employed over 423 thousand people in the United States in 2022, with a 2% increase from the previous year. However, wages in this industry group were significantly lower compared to the national average, with a difference of 35%. The Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industry plays a vital role in food production and resource management, contributing to the economy and rural communities.

For more detailed industry insights, consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2022 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting Industry Report.