Find a Job You Really Want In
Farming remains a foundational profession in America, with farmers contributing significantly to the economy across all states—not just in agricultural hubs like California or the Southern states. As we enter 2026, understanding the best states for farmers is crucial for those looking to build a career in this vital industry.
At Zippia, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to uncover where the best opportunities for farmers exist, taking into account job availability and fair compensation throughout their careers.
After thorough analysis, we present the top states that offer the most favorable conditions for farmers:
In summary, Nebraska stands out as the top state for farmers, offering a blend of job opportunities and competitive pay.
Curious about how we arrived at this ranking? Read on for insight into our research methodology and details about the top ten states.
How We Determined the Best States for Farmers
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from various backgrounds, and our research indicates two key priorities for individuals in the workforce:
- Job availability
- Competitive pay
To identify the best states for farmers, we analyzed data to assess both job availability and compensation. Our criteria were derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A measure of how prevalent farming jobs are within each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
We adjusted salary figures according to each state’s cost of living to provide a more equitable comparison. For instance, while the average farmer’s salary in California is $21,550, the Illinois average of $30,310 offers greater purchasing power.
We ranked each state based on these criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. The states were then averaged to create a Job Score, with the lowest score indicating the best conditions for farmers.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states favorable for farmers.
1. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 950
Average Annual Salary: $32,590
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,530
Average Experienced Salary: $53,770
Location Quotient: 0.51
2. Illinois
Total Jobs: 2,670
Average Annual Salary: $30,310
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,150
Average Experienced Salary: $45,720
Location Quotient: 0.23
3. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 940
Average Annual Salary: $27,930
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,990
Average Experienced Salary: $41,070
Location Quotient: 0.26
4. Iowa
Total Jobs: 560
Average Annual Salary: $28,560
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,750
Average Experienced Salary: $42,740
Location Quotient: 0.19
5. Michigan
Total Jobs: 1,600
Average Annual Salary: $26,680
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,210
Average Experienced Salary: $39,370
Location Quotient: 0.2
6. Washington
Total Jobs: 10,160
Average Annual Salary: $27,180
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,070
Average Experienced Salary: $38,650
Location Quotient: 1.72
7. Arkansas
Total Jobs: 1,630
Average Annual Salary: $23,050
Average Entry Level Salary: $16,580
Average Experienced Salary: $31,900
Location Quotient: 0.7
8. Indiana
Total Jobs: 1,450
Average Annual Salary: $24,660
Average Entry Level Salary: $16,780
Average Experienced Salary: $37,390
Location Quotient: 0.25
9. Kansas
Total Jobs: 630
Average Annual Salary: $24,740
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,060
Average Experienced Salary: $33,360
Location Quotient: 0.23
10. Ohio
Total Jobs: 2,010
Average Annual Salary: $26,340
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,800
Average Experienced Salary: $38,130
Location Quotient: 0.19
Conclusion: Your Path to a Farming Career
For aspiring farmers, these states offer the best opportunities to thrive, with competitive pay and job availability. If you’re interested in exploring less favorable conditions for farming, consider these states:
Detailed List of the Best States for Sackers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $32,590 |
| 2 | Illinois | $30,310 |
| 3 | Kentucky | $27,930 |
| 4 | Iowa | $28,560 |
| 5 | Michigan | $26,680 |
| 6 | Washington | $27,180 |
| 7 | Arkansas | $23,050 |
| 8 | Indiana | $24,660 |
| 9 | Kansas | $24,740 |
| 10 | Ohio | $26,340 |
| 11 | Georgia | $22,930 |
| 12 | Delaware | $29,630 |
| 13 | North Dakota | $26,670 |
| 14 | Idaho | $22,090 |
| 15 | Oklahoma | $24,120 |
| 16 | Montana | $25,120 |
| 17 | Mississippi | $20,480 |
| 18 | Utah | $23,650 |
| 19 | Louisiana | $24,980 |
| 20 | Colorado | $25,610 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | $24,370 |
| 22 | Nevada | $29,830 |
| 23 | Minnesota | $25,790 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $24,420 |
| 25 | Missouri | $22,030 |
| 26 | North Carolina | $21,780 |
| 27 | Florida | $20,650 |
| 28 | Vermont | $27,760 |
| 29 | Maine | $26,460 |
| 30 | Texas | $19,850 |
| 31 | West Virginia | $21,000 |
| 32 | Virginia | $24,960 |
| 33 | Arizona | $19,070 |
| 34 | New Mexico | $20,060 |
| 35 | Pennsylvania | $24,040 |
| 36 | Oregon | $23,240 |
| 37 | Tennessee | $21,090 |
| 38 | Alabama | $21,540 |
| 39 | New Hampshire | $27,360 |
| 40 | New Jersey | $25,390 |
| 41 | Rhode Island | $26,850 |
| 42 | South Dakota | $22,800 |
| 43 | California | $21,550 |
| 44 | Maryland | $28,310 |
| 45 | Hawaii | $26,120 |
| 46 | Connecticut | $24,970 |
| 47 | Massachusetts | $26,660 |
| 48 | New York | $26,120 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
