Farming, fishing, and forestry workers

This occupational group includes agricultural inspectors, animal breeders, forest 

and conservation workers, fallers, and logging equipment operators.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with 

others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2023, more than basic people skills were required for 28.8 percent of farming, 

fishing, and forestry workers, and basic people skills were required for 71.2 

percent.

Table 1. Percentage of farming, fishing, and forestry workers with cognitive and mental 

requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 67.3 32.7

Interaction with general public 29.1 70.9

Working around crowds <0.5 >99.5

Telework <5 >95

Work review: Supervising others 15.3 84.7

Work review: Presence of supervisor 67.6 32.4

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, 

and experience 

requirements

The minimum level of 

formal education required, 

credentials necessary, onthe-job training, and prior 

work experience necessary 

for average performance in 

jobs.

In 2023, credentials were 

required for 51.4 percent of 

farming, fishing, and 

forestry workers. Prior 

work experience was 

required for 31.5 percent 

and on-the-job training was 

required for 82.5 percent.

No minimum education 

was required for 49.4 

percent of farming, fishing, 

and forestry workers and a 

high school diploma was required for 42.6 percent.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards or 

difficulties that are in the vicinity of where 

jobs’ critical tasks are performed.

In 2023, 93.5 percent of farming, fishing, and 

forestry workers were not exposed to 

extreme cold, and greater than 99.5 percent 

were not exposed to extreme heat. Wetness 

was not present for 27.3 percent, 92.9 

percent were not exposed to heavy 

vibrations, and 17.5 percent were not 

exposed to the outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities required 

to perform tasks in jobs. The presence 

and, in some cases, duration of these 

activities are published.

In 2023, reaching at or below the 

shoulder was required for 94.2 percent 

of farming, fishing, and forestry workers 

and was not required for 5.8 percent. 

For 4.0 percent of workers, reaching at 

or below the shoulder was seldom 

performed, and for 2.2 percent reaching 

at or below the shoulder occurred 

constantly.

Performing work in low postures was 

required for 80.1 percent of farming, 

fishing, and forestry workers and was 

not required for 19.9 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when 

performing critical tasks was available to 31.8 percent of farming, fishing, and forestry workers. On average, workers spent 22.5 

percent of the workday sitting and 77.5 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of farming, fishing, and forestry workers with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 31.8 68.2

Driving 35.0 65.0

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 49.8 50.2

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey