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Farm Laborer Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

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$9

$18

$30

How much do farm laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm laborer in Modesto, CA is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a farm laborer?

Farm laborers are workers who perform a variety of tasks on farms, such as planting, cultivating, harvesting crops, and caring for livestock. Their duties may include operating machinery, irrigating fields, applying fertilizers, and maintaining farm equipment. Farm laborers often work outdoors in different weather conditions and may be employed on a seasonal or year-round basis, depending on the type of farm. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and productivity of agricultural businesses.

What does a farm laborer do?

As a farm laborer, you can complete many different duties on various types of farms. Your duties may include harvesting crops from a field, operating farming equipment, or caring for animals on the farm. Maintenance of machinery and equipment may also be a part of your responsibilities. Full-time work on larger farms is available, as is seasonal or day-to-day work at smaller locations. Work requirements change from farm to farm and by the season. You may use conveyors, milking equipment, or harvesting vehicles. Since this is a general title, you may need to narrow your search to find a specific job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a farm laborer?

To thrive as a Farm Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic agricultural knowledge, and the ability to operate farm machinery, often with no formal education required but sometimes preferring a high school diploma. Familiarity with tools like tractors, irrigation systems, and sometimes pesticide application equipment is valuable. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are essential soft skills for this hands-on role. These skills ensure efficient farm operations, crop quality, and safe working environments.

What are some common challenges farm laborers face during peak harvest season?

During peak harvest season, farm laborers often experience long working hours and physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, bending, and repetitive motions. Weather conditions can also pose challenges, as laborers may work in extreme heat, cold, or rain. Additionally, the fast-paced environment requires strong teamwork and communication to ensure crops are harvested efficiently and meet quality standards. Being adaptable and maintaining a strong work ethic are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Farm Laborer vs Farm Hand?

AspectFarm LaborerFarm Hand
CredentialsNone typically required, some experience preferredNone typically required, hands-on experience valued
Work EnvironmentOutdoor farms, fields, orchardsOutdoor farms, fields, orchards
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in agriculture, seasonal workCommon in agriculture, seasonal work
Job DutiesPlanting, harvesting, basic farm tasksPlanting, harvesting, equipment operation

Both Farm Laborer and Farm Hand roles involve outdoor agricultural work, often during harvest seasons. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, 'Farm Laborer' generally emphasizes basic manual tasks, whereas 'Farm Hand' may imply additional responsibilities like equipment handling. Both positions typically require no formal credentials and are seasonal, making them accessible entry points into farming careers.

Is there a shortage of farm laborers?

There is a recognized shortage of farm laborers in many regions due to factors such as aging workers, immigration policies, and the physically demanding nature of the work. This has led to increased demand for seasonal and temporary workers, often requiring knowledge of agricultural practices and sometimes certifications in safety or equipment operation.
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For Farm Laborer jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Farm Laborer jobs in Modesto, CA are:

What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Farm Laborer jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Farm Laborer job openings:

Farm Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Farm Laborer job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,475 per year, or $19 per hour.

Assistant Ranch Foreperson - Timbell (Waterford)

Foster Farms

Waterford, CA • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 444 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

About Foster Farms
At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.
Essential Functions
Pay Rate: $16.50 per hour.
(Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00pm and 11:59pm. Additional $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 12:00am-4:59am)
  • Contribute to and oversee all ranch activities and functions of assigned fryers and fryer ranch.
  • Direct the grow out of fryers through the setup of the ranch, brooding, temperatures, ventilation, mortality, vaccinations, medications, so that conditions are maintained to meet the highest possible level of quality. Maintain the ranch facilities, to include appearance, arranging with the maintenance department, needed materials and service calls.
  • Follow and enforce strict sanitation procedures being constantly aware of the bird's health; report any abnormalities to the Field Supervisor. React responsibly to emergencies that could adversely affect the chickens, day or night.
  • Manage and control all ranch production costs, to include all labor, fuel, supply, utility, medication, and ranch maintenance costs.
  • Maintain accurate and complete records pertaining to all ranch activities, i.e., feed, mortality, fuel, production, and energy consumption.
  • Provide proper training and delegation of duties to all ranch personnel. Adhere to and enforce company safety, animal welfare and disease prevention guidelines.

Qualifications
  • Must have minimum of one year of chicken-raising experience and have completed the Chicken Grow Out Training Program.
  • Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
  • Must possess supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Must have good mathematical and organizational skills.
  • Must have good written and verbal communication skills (Basic English).
  • Must be able to move and lift 25 pounds.
  • Preferably, will have a mechanical aptitude.
  • Must be willing and able to live on company-provided housing and respond as necessary to alarms and adverse conditions affecting the chickens.
  • Must be able to work as scheduled/needed to include overtime, evenings, holidays and weekends.
  • Must be able to follow and enforce company standards, guidelines and policies on anyone working on his/her ranch complex.
  • Must have the ability to work at other ranches/complexes as needed.
  • Must have desire and ability to maintain a clean and presentable ranch and dwelling.

Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles
  • Accountability: Deliver on commitments.
  • Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team.
  • Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.
  • Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset.
  • Ownership: Take responsibility for results.
  • Nimble: Operate with speed and agility.

Why Join Foster Farms?
This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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