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 $59,330 per year, ranking in the top 50% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.5% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than 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 $59,330. That puts first-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers at #402 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 +2.5%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 65K positions in 2024 to 67K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

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

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
  $53,900 median
• Animal Breeders
  $52,000 median
• Logging Workers, All Other
  $52,000 median
• Agricultural Inspectors
  $50,990 median
• Logging Equipment Operators
  $49,210 median
• Log Graders and Scalers
  $46,710 median

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