Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators: Who Earns More?
Agricultural Equipment Operators out-earn Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals land at $36,670 and Agricultural Equipment Operators at $41,730. The education gap is real: farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animal programs typically require no formal educational credential, while agricultural equipment operator programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals is Alaska ($50,450); for Agricultural Equipment Operators it's Montana ($58,770).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Agricultural Equipment Operators earn more nationally. The median is $36,670 for Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals versus $41,730 for Agricultural Equipment Operators, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Agricultural Equipment Operators has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to -5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals or Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals typically requires no formal educational credential. Agricultural Equipment Operators requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals at $50,450/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals vs. Agricultural Equipment Operators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals earn $46,020 vs. $48,520 for Agricultural Equipment Operators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.