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The average salary for an apple picker in the United States is approximately $27,983 per year or $13 per hour. This figure can vary significantly based on geographic location, seasonality, and the specific type of apple farm. For example, states with higher demand for apple pickers, like California and Washington, often offer higher wages due to the cost of living and the scale of their production.
Here are some average salaries for apple pickers across different states:
These estimates highlight the potential for higher earnings in specific regions. Additionally, seasonal work may offer bonuses or incentives that can further increase total compensation. Understanding these factors can assist job seekers in finding the best opportunities in apple picking.
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The average apple picker salary in North Dakota, Alaska, and Maine are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average apple picker salary states are South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | $36,398 | $17.50 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $33,507 | $16.11 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $28,942 | $13.91 |
| 4 | Iowa | $28,867 | $13.88 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $30,098 | $14.47 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | $28,501 | $13.70 |
| 7 | Maine | $34,789 | $16.73 |
| 8 | South Dakota | $32,774 | $15.76 |
| 9 | Vermont | $32,489 | $15.62 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $33,171 | $15.95 |
| 11 | Alaska | $35,574 | $17.10 |
| 12 | Michigan | $27,263 | $13.11 |
| 13 | New Jersey | $28,243 | $13.58 |
| 14 | Montana | $30,506 | $14.67 |
| 15 | Utah | $29,109 | $13.99 |
| 16 | Ohio | $27,534 | $13.24 |
| 17 | Wyoming | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| 18 | West Virginia | $29,810 | $14.33 |
| 19 | Arizona | $27,161 | $13.06 |
| 20 | Kansas | $27,325 | $13.14 |
| 21 | Illinois | $27,918 | $13.42 |
| 22 | Nevada | $26,392 | $12.69 |
| 23 | Indiana | $25,447 | $12.23 |
| 24 | Oregon | $29,013 | $13.95 |
| 25 | Rhode Island | $25,695 | $12.35 |
| 26 | New Hampshire | $26,931 | $12.95 |
| 27 | Hawaii | $31,144 | $14.97 |
| 28 | Tennessee | $24,638 | $11.85 |
| 29 | New York | $27,046 | $13.00 |
| 30 | Kentucky | $24,811 | $11.93 |
| 31 | Nebraska | $26,216 | $12.60 |
| 32 | Colorado | $26,802 | $12.89 |
| 33 | Maryland | $26,079 | $12.54 |
| 34 | Washington | $27,618 | $13.28 |
| 35 | Missouri | $25,454 | $12.24 |
| 36 | Idaho | $25,251 | $12.14 |
| 37 | California | $26,542 | $12.76 |
| 38 | New Mexico | $25,658 | $12.34 |
| 39 | Texas | $23,331 | $11.22 |
| 40 | Mississippi | $21,975 | $10.56 |
| 41 | District of Columbia | $25,859 | $12.43 |
| 42 | Virginia | $23,190 | $11.15 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $23,133 | $11.12 |
| 44 | North Carolina | $22,417 | $10.78 |
| 45 | Delaware | $23,491 | $11.29 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | $22,272 | $10.71 |
| 47 | South Carolina | $22,393 | $10.77 |
| 48 | Florida | $22,420 | $10.78 |
| 49 | Arkansas | $20,523 | $9.87 |
| 50 | Alabama | $21,498 | $10.34 |
| 51 | Georgia | $20,280 | $9.75 |
An apple picker's salary ranges from $19,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $39,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $39,000 | $3,250 | $19 |
| 75th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| Average | $27,983 | $2,332 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,000 | $1,917 | $11 |
| 10th Percentile | $19,000 | $1,583 | $9 |
The highest paying types of apple pickers are ditch rider, chocolatier, and crop or grain farmer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picker | $30,779 | $2,565 | $14.80 | 177,748 |
Top companies hiring apple pickers now:
The average apple picker salary has risen by $9,735 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average apple picker earned $18,248 annually, but today, they earn $27,983 a year. That works out to a 30% change in pay for apple pickers over the last decade.
Compare apple picker salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare apple picker salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $28,000 | $13.45 | +11.2% |
| 2025 | $24,800 | $11.94 | +4.4% |
| 2024 | $23,700 | $11.42 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $22,800 | $10.97 | +5.9% |
| 2022 | $21,500 | $10.33 | +10.1% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 06/28/2025 | $48,001 |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 05/27/2025 | $48,001 |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 04/29/2025 | $48,001 |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 03/28/2025 | $48,001 |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 02/18/2025 | $48,001 |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 01/26/2025 | $48,001 |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Big Bear City, CA | 12/15/2024 | $48,001 |
| Dutch Bros Coffee | Broista-Apple | Big Bear City, CA | 10/17/2024 | $48,001 |
| Sound Physicians, Inc. | Nocturnist Commencement Bonus-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 09/26/2024 | $50,000 |
| Dutch Bros Inc. | Broista-Apple | Apple Valley, CA | 09/26/2024 | $48,001 |
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