About the Career
Agricultural pilots, also known as crop dusters or aerial applicators, fly aircraft to perform a variety of tasks in the farming industry:- Aerial applications: Spraying crops with pesticides, fertilizers, and fungicides to control weeds, plant diseases, and pests
- Planting and seeding: Dropping seeds to grow crops
- Hauling cargo: Transporting crops to market or hauling feed for livestock
- Fighting forest fires: Dumping water or fire retardant materials on burning areas
- Wildlife photography: Photographing and counting game animals for conservation programs
On the Job You Will
- Consider air speed, wind and weather to determine if conditions are appropriate for application and flying
- Apply pesticides, fertilizer or fungicides to crops
- Record applications and report back to grower
Details
- Average Salary: $44,570
- Salary Range: $29,330 - $68,370
- Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Outlook: Good (1%-10% growth)
- Total Jobs (2024): 1,320
Education and Training
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent; a degree in agriculture or aviation is a plus
Related Experience
Valid Commercial Pilot's license with an agricultural aircraft operations endorsement
FAA Class II Medical Certificate
Minimum of 500 flight hours
Obtain State-adminstered EPA Commercial Pesticide Applictor Certficiation
Job Training
Programs
Employers
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