National Salary Overview
Agricultural Equipment Operators
Median Salary
$42,901
Average (Mean)
$44,359
Employed Nationwide
28,060
VS
Forest and Conservation Workers
Median Salary
$41,891
Average (Mean)
$44,307
Employed Nationwide
5,210
Agricultural Equipment Operators earns $1,009 more (2.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$42,901
$41,891
Average (Mean) Salary
$44,359
$44,307
Total Employment
28,060
5,210
States with Higher Pay
10
14
Salary by State: Agricultural Equipment Operators vs Forest and Conservation Workers
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Agricultural Equipment Operators pays more in 10 states; Forest and Conservation Workers pays more in 14.
| State | Agricultural Equipment Operators | Forest and Conservation Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $32,060 | $47,310 | $-15,250 | ||
| California | $38,820 | $43,680 | $-4,860 | ||
| Colorado | $37,290 | $37,690 | $-400 | ||
| Florida | $36,660 | $36,780 | $-120 | ||
| Georgia | $35,410 | $34,150 | +$1,260 | ||
| Idaho | $38,920 | $59,460 | $-20,540 | ||
| Iowa | $47,220 | $33,600 | +$13,620 | ||
| Louisiana | $58,520 | $39,900 | +$18,620 | ||
| Massachusetts | $49,150 | $51,890 | $-2,740 | ||
| Minnesota | $48,520 | $39,590 | +$8,930 | ||
| Missouri | $46,490 | $37,170 | +$9,320 | ||
| Montana | $58,770 | $32,600 | +$26,170 | ||
| New Jersey | $41,660 | $41,600 | +$60 | ||
| New Mexico | $35,580 | $36,370 | $-790 | ||
| Ohio | $47,220 | $48,470 | $-1,250 | ||
| Oregon | $44,150 | $46,010 | $-1,860 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $47,100 | $50,250 | $-3,150 | ||
| South Carolina | $34,490 | $44,050 | $-9,560 | ||
| South Dakota | $48,060 | $38,210 | +$9,850 | ||
| Tennessee | $37,750 | $40,320 | $-2,570 | ||
| Texas | $34,260 | $30,470 | +$3,790 | ||
| Virginia | $47,890 | $54,560 | $-6,670 | ||
| Washington | $38,470 | $44,430 | $-5,960 | ||
| Wisconsin | $47,100 | $36,420 | +$10,680 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Agricultural Equipment Operators vs Forest and Conservation Workers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Agricultural Equipment Operators or Forest and Conservation Workers?
On average across all states, a Agricultural Equipment Operators earns more than a Forest and Conservation Workers. The national median salary difference is $1,009 (2.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Agricultural Equipment Operators earn more than a Forest and Conservation Workers?
A Agricultural Equipment Operators earns a higher median salary than a Forest and Conservation Workers in 10 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Forest and Conservation Workers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators vs Forest and Conservation Workers?
The national median salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators is $42,901 per year, compared to $41,891 for a Forest and Conservation Workers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Agricultural Equipment Operators or Forest and Conservation Workers?
There are more people employed as Agricultural Equipment Operators. BLS reports approximately 28,060 Agricultural Equipment Operators positions and 5,210 Forest and Conservation Workers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Agricultural Equipment Operators or Forest and Conservation Workers?
Both Agricultural Equipment Operators and Forest and Conservation Workers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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