Poultry Farm Manager

    Vet Assistants and Technicians

    CIP Name: Poultry Manager|CIP Code: 01.0907
    SOC Codes: 25-1041, 25-9021, 11-9013, 45-1011, 19-1011, 19-4012

    A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of poultry animals and the production and handling of poultry products.

    $69K
    Median Salary
    +3.3%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    2.0K
    Jobs/Year

    What Poultry Farm Managers Do

    A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of poultry animals and the production and handling of poultry products.

    Common Tasks

    Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    • 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
    • 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
    • 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
    • 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

    What You'll Learn

    avian sciencesnutrition sciencesfood science and technologybiochemistryhatchery designrelated aspects of human and animal health and safety

    Types of Poultry Farm Managers

    Agriculture InstructorAgriculture ProfessorAgronomy ProfessorAnimal Science ProfessorAssociate ProfessorHorticulture InstructorHorticulture ProfessorInstructorPlant Science ProfessorProfessor4-H Youth Development Educator4-H Youth Development Specialist4-H Youth EducatorAgricultural Extension EducatorCommunity EducatorExtension AgentExtension EducatorExtension SpecialistFamily Development Extension SpecialistFamily and Consumer Sciences Extension AgentAquaculture DirectorFarm ManagerFarm Operations Technical DirectorFish Hatchery ManagerGreenhouse ManagerHarvesting ManagerHatchery ManagerHatchery SupervisorNursery ManagerRanch ManagerAnimal Research Facility SupervisorCattle ManagerFarm SupervisorHarvesting SupervisorLogging Crew ForemanLogging SupervisorPest Management SupervisorWildlife ManagerAnimal Nutrition ConsultantAnimal NutritionistAnimal ScientistBeef Cattle NutritionistBeef Cattle SpecialistCompanion Animal NutritionistDairy Nutrition ConsultantDairy Research NutritionistResearch ScientistScientistAgricultural Research Technician (Agricultural Research Tech)Agricultural Research TechnologistAgricultural Technician (Agricultural Tech)Agriculture AssistantAgronomy Research Technician (Agronomy Research Tech)Field AssistantInsect Research Technician (Insect Research Tech)Lab Tech (Laboratory Technician)Seed Analyst

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Poultry farms and broiler houses
    • • Hatcheries and breeder operations
    • • Feed mills and nutrition companies
    • • Processing plants and quality labs
    • • University or government research facilities

    Schedule

    Schedules often start early and may include weekends or on-call time, with hours shifting based on flock cycles, weather, and production deadlines.

    Physical Demands

    Work is a mix of office planning and hands-on time in barns, hatcheries, or labs, with moderate standing, walking, and handling of equipment or supplies. You may work around dust, odors, noise, and strict sanitation/biosecurity procedures.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $69,225
    $44,023$123,697+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $44,023
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $53,632
    Median
    50th percentile
    $69,225
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $95,909
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $123,697+

    National Employment: 946,000 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as poultry producers expand to meet steady consumer demand for affordable protein and value-added products. Increased focus on biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety also drives need for skilled managers and technical staff.

    Skills You'll Need

    Animal husbandry and flock health monitoringBiosecurity and sanitation proceduresData tracking and production recordkeepingFeed and nutrition fundamentalsFood safety and quality control awarenessEquipment troubleshooting and facility oversightTeam leadership and worker trainingProblem-solving under time pressure

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Clear career paths into management and operations leadership
    • Work that blends science with practical problem-solving
    • Strong relevance across farming, hatcheries, and processing
    • Opportunities to improve animal health, welfare, and food safety
    • Transferable skills to other livestock or agribusiness roles

    Cons

    • Weekend/holiday work is common in animal operations
    • Exposure to biosecurity risks and strict hygiene rules
    • Can be stressful during disease events or production issues
    • Work environments may involve dust, odors, and temperature swings
    • Industry consolidation can limit openings in some regions
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Poultry Farm Manager Trade

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