Farmworkers and laborers in crops, nurseries, and greenhouses do the hands-on work that grows food and plants. You can start without a four-year degree. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You perform physical tasks like planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting crops. You handle and move plants, soil, and equipment. You identify plants, pests, and problems by sight and touch. You operate machines and control growing processes in greenhouses and nurseries. You communicate with supervisors and coworkers about tasks and conditions. You follow instructions and keep track of what needs to be done. The work is seasonal in some settings and year-round in others, depending on the crops and location.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse earn a median of $35,660 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 71,700 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You do not need a degree to start. Most positions require some preparation and on-the-job training. You'll learn through experience and working alongside experienced farmworkers. Some employers offer formal training programs. Knowledge of biology, food production, and basic mechanics helps you understand the work. Reading and writing skills support communication with supervisors. Start by applying directly to farms, nurseries, or greenhouses in your area. Ask about entry-level positions and training opportunities.
Most people enter farmwork through direct application and on-the-job training. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the farmworker and laborer, crop, nursery, and greenhouse path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a clear next step.
You do not need a license to work as a farmworker and laborer, crop, nursery, and greenhouse, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You like hands-on work with plants and equipment. You are practical, detail-oriented, and comfortable with physical labor. You work well following instructions and communicating with a team.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).