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Orchard Worker information

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$12

$23

$43

How much do orchard worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 is an orchard worker?

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?

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 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,538 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Landscape Construction Foreman with Orchard Keepers

Orchard Keepers

Santa Cruz, CA • On-site

$33 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Orchard Keepers, Inc, est 2004, is an Ecologically based landscape company focused on the care of home orchards, edible landscapes, and native/drought tolerant gardens. We also install all manner of landscape components consisting of hardscape, garden structures, irrigations systems, veggie beds, plants and more. We are based in Santa Cruz CA, providing services locally in Santa Cruz and in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

We are looking to hire a foreman to lead one of our crews with the Install team. The installation/construction team provides design and installation services including irrigation, planting, carpentry, and hardscaping for projects ranging in size from one day to multiple months. Please check out our website to see photos of 6 completed projects. orchardkeepers.com
About the Role
Tasks on the install crew vary day to day, season to season. We are involved in every aspect of landscape construction, from irrigation systems to patios, plantings to raised bed construction. WE WORK HARD and expect a strong commitment to work ethic and attendance. We put a strong emphasis on performing quality work, having good communication with both staff and clients, and enjoyment of coming to work every day!

With support of the Project Manager, the foreman keeps the project running smoothly through close communication with the client ad the team. The install foreman will oversee the daily operations of a crew of 2-5 people. This person should be experienced with managing crews, and at least 2 of the following trades: irrigation, horticulture, carpentry, masonry, outdoor lighting, or drainage. This is a full-time, hourly position with benefits. Two positions are available. Orchard Keepers is an equal opportunity employer.

Responsibilities:

  • Daily load up of tools and materials for the job site
  • Instruct and direct crew members, keeping the team on task
    Maintain Orchard Keepers' quality standards on every landscape construction and irrigation installation project
  • Creating and maintaining crew cohesiveness and morale
  • Lead by example as the on-site team leader
    Perform hands-on planting and irrigation installation work
  • Communicate daily progress and project outlook directly with clients
  • Maintain an organized truck with all the necessary tools and irrigation parts needed for a typical day
  • Ensure all work follows approved landscape design plans
  • Work closely with our Maintenance teams to hand off after the install and seamless transition.
  • Support multiple crews and projects simultaneously as needed
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisors

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years experience managing a crew (Required)
  • 3+ years experience in landscape construction(Required)
  • A valid Driver's License (Required) with a clean driving record
  • Excellent communication and client relation skills ie, ability to convey information clearly & professionally.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and crews at a time, and run projects efficiently, from start to completion
  • Experience with irrigation systems- underground PVC, valve manifolds, drip systems, WiFi controllers.
  • Working knowledge of California native plants, edible landscaping, and fruit tree/orchard care
  • Able to create and maintain proper soil health and soil moisture.
  • Highly organized with a focus on detail.
  • Creative and solution based thinker.
  • Computer proficiency; Experience with Google Suite.
  • Bilingual English/ Spanish is a plus.

Orchard Keepers starts all new employees off with a 30 day probationary period before hiring full time. This will allow us to assess the skill level of the new employee and make sure the new hire is the right fit. Our goal is to hire staff that are excited to work in this field, work well as a team, stick around for awhile and understand what the daily/weekly tasks are. We are able to achieve this goal through a 30 day probationary period, which not only allows us to make sure the new hire is a fit, but that the new hire knows exactly what the job entails. After the 30 days, the new hire will meet with management and a determination of future employment will be reviewed.

Physical Requirements:
  • Lift up to 50 lbs; occasional overhead lifting 
  • Stand for up to 10 hours
  • Stoop, kneel, bend, crouch as needed
  • Ascend or descend Ladders

Schedule:

  • Monday-Thursday 7:00AM-5:30PM
Pay and Benefits:
  • $33-$40/hour starting pay
  • Health, dental, and vision Insurance (eligible after 30 days)
  • 401k eligible after 1 year
  • Paid Time Off (accrual-based)

Work Location: Based in Santa Cruz
Apply online or by sending your resume and cover letter to office@orchardkeepers.com
Thanks!
Orchard Keepers Team

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