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Orchard Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orchard View Cherries

Orchard Support

The Dalles, OR · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Orchard Support Checkers are responsible for overseeing an assigned group of pickers, tracing ... Working Conditions: • Work begins at 5:00 AM. • Schedule includes Monday through Sunday ...

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How much do orchard worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for orchard worker in the United States is $23.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are orchard workers?

Orchard workers are agricultural laborers who are responsible for the care, maintenance, and harvesting of fruit and nut trees in orchards. Their tasks typically include planting, pruning, irrigating, monitoring tree health, applying fertilizers and pesticides, and picking fruit during harvest season. Orchard workers play a crucial role in ensuring that orchards remain healthy and productive, often working outdoors in various weather conditions. This job may require physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of safe agricultural practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Orchard Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Orchard Worker, you need knowledge of crop care, harvesting techniques, and general agricultural practices, with many positions requiring physical stamina but not formal education. Familiarity with tools like pruning shears, ladders, tractors, and sometimes basic machinery or pesticide application certifications is common. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work well independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the health and productivity of crops, efficient operations, and safe, high-quality harvests.

What does an orchard worker do?

An orchard worker is responsible for planting, pruning, watering, and harvesting fruit trees. They often use tools such as pruners, ladders, and harvest bins, and work outdoors in various weather conditions. The job may require physical stamina and knowledge of safe farming practices.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An orchard worker typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians or commercial pilots, which may require certifications or extensive training. Most entry-level orchard work pays significantly less and does not meet this income level.

What is the difference between Orchard Worker vs Farm Hand?

AspectOrchard WorkerFarm Hand
CredentialsNone typically required; experience preferredNone typically required; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor orchard settings, seasonal workVaried outdoor farm environments, diverse tasks
Industry UsageSpecific to fruit orchards and tree cropsGeneral agricultural work across various farms
Job FocusHarvesting, pruning, planting in orchardsGeneral farm tasks like planting, tending, and harvesting

While both Orchard Workers and Farm Hands work outdoors in agricultural settings, Orchard Workers specialize in tasks related to fruit orchards, such as harvesting and pruning, often requiring specific knowledge of fruit trees. Farm Hands have a broader role across different types of farms, performing a variety of general farming tasks. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position based on their skills and interests.

What are some common challenges Orchard Workers face during peak harvest season, and how can they be managed?

During peak harvest season, Orchard Workers often encounter challenges such as long hours, physically demanding tasks, and working in varying weather conditions. To manage these challenges, it’s important to maintain proper hydration, use ergonomic lifting techniques, and take scheduled breaks to prevent fatigue. Many orchards also provide team-based support and rotate tasks to reduce strain, fostering a collaborative environment where workers can help each other meet production goals efficiently.

What is the highest-paying farm job?

The highest-paying farm jobs often include farm managers, agricultural engineers, and specialized crop or livestock supervisors, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and responsibilities. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and management experience, and may involve overseeing large operations or implementing advanced technology. Such positions tend to offer higher compensation compared to entry-level farm labor roles like orchard workers.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2000 a day typically include high-level positions such as specialized surgeons, corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. Certain skilled trades, consulting roles, or investment banking positions may also reach this level with experience and bonuses, but such earnings are uncommon for standard roles like orchard workers. Most entry-level or manual labor jobs do not offer this level of daily pay.
More about Orchard Worker jobs
What states have the most Orchard Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Orchard Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Orchard Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Orchard Worker jobs are:
Orchard Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Orchard Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 59% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,538 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
CALS- Orchard Worker Hd S10- Cornell University Agriculture Experimental Station (CUAES)

CALS- Orchard Worker Hd S10- Cornell University Agriculture Experimental Station (CUAES)

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Orchard Worker Hd S10
The Opportunity
As a university founded to be a place where "...any person can find instruction in any study," inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values
As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.
While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success
About the College
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
The position is located within the department of Cornell Agriculture Experiment Station. The Cornell Orchards encompasses 78 acres across farm sites in Ithaca and Lansing NY that are actively used by faculty and students. Research projects are diverse and include fieldwork on tree fruits, vineyards and berries as well as laboratory-based work involving fruit storage and processing. The Cornell Orchards is managed by CornellAES as a site for interdisciplinary research.
This position supports the Orchard Manager in providing care of resources, equipment and field operations. Provide direct support services to over 7 research, teaching and outreach programs at the Cornell Orchards. Aid in the planting, production, spraying, harvesting, pruning, storing and dispersal of fruit crops. Take responsibility for the maintenance of around 30 pieces of specialized farm equipment, and the care of irrigation, drainage and other agricultural infrastructure across the 78 acres of Orchard. Work both in a team and independently to accomplish required tasks.
Service expertise is required with most aspects of the maintenance and repair of farm equipment, including trucks, trailers, forklifts, sprayers, a harvest platform, and a wide range of tractors of varying makes and models. Observe, troubleshoot, and repair equipment as necessary to keep operations running smoothly. Maintain food processing equipment used for sorting and storing of fruit.. Keep detailed maintenance records on all equipment. Order parts and supplies online or in person and maintain a limited inventory of parts and supplies associated with Orchard equipment. Work collaboratively with new equipment acquisition and with the building and design of specialized research equipment.
Aid in the establishment and care of various fruit crops, including spraying, planting, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, the installation of trellis systems, and irrigation and field drainage installation and maintenance. Facilitate harvest operations: maintain fruit bins and cider-making equipment.
Transport fruit between Ithaca, Lansing and Geneva and also deliver to wholesale external customers. Respond to service requests from research program faculty, research support staff, graduate and undergraduate students in a timely manner. Some requests will require immediate action and flexibility. Effectively communicate with all stakeholders. Work collaboratively to progress a culture of sustainability.
This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
What We Need
  • High School Diploma with a minimum of 3+ years' experience in horticultural cropping systems and/or the maintenance of horticultural equipment.
  • Must be able to work under varying climate conditions, dusty environments and around hazardous pesticides and solvents.
  • Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and be a qualified commercial driver with a New York State Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B, or ability to obtain and maintain a CDL within one year from start date.
  • Pesticide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain a Pesticide Technician Certification within a year from start date. Within 2 years obtaining a Pesticide Applicator Certification.
  • Must possess basic skills in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Internet navigation for the purposes of data entry, record keeping, information searches, and supply and parts procurement.
  • Able to lift 50+ pounds.
  • Position requires work schedule flexibility to work extended daytime hours, weekends, and some holidays.
  • Able to operate, service, and repair farm tractors of many sizes, as well as trucks and numerous other pieces of farm equipment. Must have proficiency in the operation of metalworking equipment.
  • Demonstrate a high standard of service with excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate strong organizational skills with precise attention to detail.
  • Experience with irrigation equipment and operation.
  • Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
  • Must be able to obtain OSHA forklift operator certification within six months from start date.
  • Must communicate clearly with faculty, unit manager, staff, students, vendors, and other research and extension personnel in a professional and respectful manner.
  • Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
  • Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.
  • Associates degree or technical/vocational degree in Agricultural Mechanics, Agronomy, Horticulture or a related field.
  • Preferred experience in equipment fabrication, modification, and design.
  • Preferred experience with the growing of fruit crops.
  • Experience working in and around a University research setting
  • Experience welding mild steels and aluminum.

Rewards and Benefits
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
  • Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

  • Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

  • Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

  • Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:

Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.
University Job Title:
Orchard Worker Hd S10
Job Family:
United Auto Workers
Level:
S10
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
J'Frances White
Contact Email:
jmw572@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
  • Prior relevant work or industry experience
  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
  • Unique applicable skills
  • Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
Current Employees:
If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.
Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2026-05-29

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