How to Become an Agricultural Manager or Forester

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you to become a agricultural manager depends on the industry and company you apply at.

Those looking for an entry position need to have some sort of agricultural background, whether that is a farm worker or rancher. If you are looking to run your own business then having a bachelors degree in business administration, agriculture, or environmental management can help give you useful knowledge.

Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a agriculture or forestry manager.

How Much Does an Agricultural Manager Make? 
$44,200 (national median salary, to see salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)

Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
-179,900 fewer people employed

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers page) 

Discover the Best Places to Become an Agricultural Manager

As we’ve mentioned, there is plenty of opportunity to work in forestry and agriculture both in governmental agencies and private sectors.

Forest and conservation workers hold about 13,700 positions in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Industries that employ the largest numbers of forest and conservation workers:

  • State government, excluding education and hospitals 30%
  • Forestry and logging 18%
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals 14%
  • Sawmills and wood preservation 2%

The top states which employ the most agriculture and forestry workers are:

  • California (agriculture & forestry)
  • Texas (agriculture)
  • Illinois (agriculture)
  • Arizona (agriculture)
  • Alabama (agriculture)
  • Washington (forestry)
  • South Dakota (forestry)
  • Georgia (forestry)
  • Louisiana (forestry)

Employment and Information Data for Agricultural Management & Forestry

Why Become an Agricultural Manager & Forester

You don’t need a political science degree to work for the government. In fact, there are many opportunities within the federal government to work in the agriculture and forestry fields. If you prefer getting your hands dirty to wearing a tie to work, than filling one of the many roles in the government’s agriculture and forestry programs is right up your alley!

Recommended Courses for Agricultural Management & Forestry

  • Forest Ecology
  • Forest Ecosystems
  • Ecosystem Ecology
  • Forest Management
  • Forest Biology
  • Agricultural and Natural Resources
  • Agricultural Biology
  • Animal Science
  • Agricultural Earth Science
  • Agricultural Economics and Government
  • Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology

Degrees for Agricultural Management & Forestry Careers

Earning a graduate degree in forestry can prepare you for management positions and professional forestry practice with a variety of organizations, including government and nonprofit agencies, conservation organizations and consulting firms.

Associate’s Degree
An associate’s degree program in forest technology can prepare you for entry-level career opportunities in logging, forest fire control, forest surveying and conservation. The coursework in these programs incorporates classroom lectures with outdoor hands-on field experiences.

Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degree program in forestry can prepare you for both entry-level and mid-level management positions. These programs emphasize the management and development of forest areas for recreational, conservation and economic purposes.

Master’s Degree
Most students finish studies in three years while focusing on modern agriculture and forestry issues effecting contemporary society including climate change,  natural resources and forest management among others  These advanced degrees often lead to management and policy making decisions in the field.