On average, the wages of Farm-Machine Operators and Produce Packers are found to be on the higher end of this wage scale than other farmworkers. The hours of work vary a great deal. During planting and harvesting on crop farms, workers are often in the fields from sunup until late at night. On nearly all farms, workers usually receive one day off per week. Vacations are taken during slow seasons or between crops.
Many employers provide for vacation, sick leave or medical or dental benefits.
Many farmworkers can learn their jobs quickly on the farm and require little or no outside training. Prior experience is desirable for those who operate farm machinery. Good physical condition is required since farmworkers must lift and carry bales of hay, or bushels of fruit or other produce. Some farmworkers may advance to crew leader or supervisory positions on farms or buy land and become farmers or ranchers. In some counties, workers find their jobs by direct application at the farm, through local offices of the California Employment Development Department, or a labor contractor.