Agricultural Pilots
Overview
Introduction
Agricultural pilots, also called ag pilots, crop dusters, and aerial applicators, perform flying jobs related to the farming industry. They are skilled professionals who operate aircraft for such purposes as transporting cargo to market, aerial applications (also known as crop dusting), hauling feed, or planting seed. In addition to flying aircraft, agricultural pilots perform a variety of safety-related tasks involving both the aircraft and the cargo. They may be self-employed or work for large pest control compan...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Median annual salaries for full-time commercial pilots were $82,240 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $44,660 to $160,480 or more.
Agricultural pilot work can be seasonal or full time, depending on where it's based. Agricultural pilots who are employed by companies rarely get paid vacation and only a few companies offer health and acc...
Work Environment
The vast majority of an agricultural pilot's job takes place outdoors, during the early morning and early evening hours. Their work is demanding and can be hazardous. Workloads are heaviest during the mid- to late-summer months when crops are at their peak. When flying, agricultural pilots wear safety gear consisting of a helmet, safety belt, and shoulder harness, because they fly under such di...
Outlook
Employment of commercial pilots, including agricultural pilots, is expected to grow about as fast as the average through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The demand for agricultural pilots depends largely on farmers' needs. For example, during times when insect and pest control becomes a problem, there is greater demand for agricultural pilots. There is also some concern within ...
