Agricultural Pilots


Overview

Agricultural Pilots

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 transporting cargo to market, aerial applications (also known as crop dusting), hauling feed, or planting seeds. In addition to flying aircraft, agricultural pilots perform various safety-related tasks involving the aircraft and the cargo. They may be self-employed or work for large pest control companies or government agencies...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$97,881

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Some Postsecondary Training|Associates Degree


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Experience

Flight experience


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Skills

Math|Mechanical/Manual Dexterity|Interpersonal


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Personality Traits

Conventional|Problem-Solving|Technical

Earnings

According to payscale.com, the annual median salary for full-time commercial pilots was $97,881 in 2024. Salaries ranged from less than $54,000 to more than $184,000.

Depending on where they are based, agricultural pilot work can be seasonal or full-time. Companies that employ agricultural pilots rarely pay them vacation, and only a few offer health and accident insurance, profit-sharing...

Work Environment

The vast majority of an agricultural pilots job occurs outdoors, during the early morning and evening hours. Their work is demanding and can be hazardous. Workloads are heaviest during the mid-to late-summer months when crops peak. Agricultural pilots wear safety gear consisting of a helmet, safety belt, and shoulder harness because they fly under such difficult conditions. They fly close to th...

Outlook

The employment of commercial pilots, including agricultural pilots, is expected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The demand for agricultural pilots depends largely on farmers needs. For example, when insect and pest control becomes a problem, there is greater demand for agricultural pilots. There is also some concern w...