Average Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary in California
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse professionals in California earn an average annual salary of $38,440. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $37,800, reflecting the state's significant agricultural output and demand for skilled labor. California's robust agricultural sector, coupled with specific regional needs, often dictates a premium for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,700.
- Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 175,340 Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse professionals, indicating a significant and established job market. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.72 underscores a pronounced concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and persistent demand that outpaces general economic trends.
Salary Overview
The average Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in California earns+1.7%above the national average.
$18.5
$739
$3,203
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Farmworkers and Laborers in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing agricultural productivity, evolving labor regulations, and the persistent demand for agricultural products, all contributing to upward pressure on compensation.
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Salary Distribution in California
Salary progression for Farmworkers and Laborers in California typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in specific crops, greenhouse management, or advanced machinery operation can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,980 | $16.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $28,830 | $13.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,770 | $17.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $48,050 | $23.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $45,700 | $22 |
Detailed Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,755
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
The average annual salary of $38,440 in California for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse roles must be considered within the context of a Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index, significantly above the national average, suggests that while the nominal salary is slightly higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be diminished due to the elevated cost of goods and services in the state.
Job Market Context
175,340
Total Jobs
9.71
Per 1K Jobs
5.72
Location Quotient
California has 5.7x the national concentration of Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 5.72, California presents a highly concentrated market for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse professionals. This indicates that the demand for these roles is more than five times the national average relative to the general workforce, making it a particularly abundant and specialized job market for individuals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
Comparing salaries near California
Hiring Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse make in California?
The median annual salary for a Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in California is $38,440. This typically ranges from $33,980 for entry-level positions to $45,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 1.7% higher than the national median of $37,800.
Is California a lucrative place for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
Yes, with caveats.California offers a slightly higher average salary than the national average, but this is tempered by a significantly higher cost of living. The strong concentration of these jobs indicates robust demand, which can be lucrative for experienced professionals.
Is California a good place to live for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouses?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($38,550) and Visalia, CA.
What is the average salary for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in California?
The average annual salary for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse in California is $38,440.
How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?
California's average salary of $38,440 is slightly higher than the national average of $37,800.
What does the Location Quotient of 5.72 mean for this job in California?
A Location Quotient of 5.72 indicates that Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse roles are over 5 times more concentrated in California than the national average, signifying high demand and specialization.
How does the cost of living in California affect the salary for Farmworkers?
California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that the $38,440 salary has less purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living, despite being nominally higher than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 175,340 employees in the California area with a job density of 9.71 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California