First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers fall under the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry category in the U.S. occupational classification. First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers earn a median salary of $59,320 per year, ranking in the top 53% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.8% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

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

The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers is $59,320. That puts first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers at #437 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers is +3.8%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 57K positions in 2024 to 59K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

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

According to O*NET task surveys of working first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Train workers in techniques such as planting, harvesting, weeding, or insect identification and in the use of safety measures.
2. 2.Train workers in tree felling or bucking, operation of tractors or loading machines, yarding or loading techniques, or safety regulations.
3. 3.Requisition or purchase supplies, such as insecticides, machine parts or lubricants, or tools.
4. 4.Record the numbers and types of fish or shellfish reared, harvested, released, sold, and shipped.
5. 5.Communicate with forestry personnel regarding forest harvesting or forest management plans, procedures, or schedules.
6. 6.Prepare and maintain time or payroll reports, as well as details of personnel actions, such as performance evaluations, hires, promotions, or disciplinary actions.
7. 7.Assign tasks such as feeding and treatment of animals, and cleaning and maintenance of animal quarters.
8. 8.Perform both supervisory and management functions, such as accounting, marketing, and personnel work.

Top skills for first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry worker?

Many first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Fallers
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• Animal Breeders
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• Logging Workers, All Other
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• Agricultural Inspectors
  $49,940 median
• Logging Equipment Operators
  $49,740 median
• Log Graders and Scalers
  $46,330 median

Common questions parents ask about first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers