Farm Jobs in North Carolina
Explore agricultural careers in North Carolina, the nation's leader in sweet potato production (63.5% of U.S. supply), poultry and eggs ($6.8 billion in broilers), and flue-cured tobacco (80.4% of U.S.). With a $111.1 billion total economic impact, 42,817 diverse farms, and 25,000-50,000 H-2A workers annually, North Carolina offers year-round opportunities across three distinct agricultural regions.
Major Cities with Farm Jobs:
1 Farm Job in North Carolina
Farm Jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina ranks 8th nationally in agricultural production with a record $111.1 billion total economic impact in 2024 and $16.9 billion in farm cash receipts. The state dominates multiple agricultural sectors as the #1 national producer of sweet potatoes (63.5% of U.S. production, $129.3 million in exports), poultry and eggs ($6.8 billion in broiler chickens), flue-cured tobacco (80.4% of U.S. production), and turkeys. North Carolina produces approximately 50% of all Fraser fir Christmas trees in the United States, generating over $250 million in retail value annually. The state's 42,817 farms operate across three distinct agricultural regions: the Coastal Plain (sweet potatoes, tobacco, hogs), the Piedmont (diversified crops and livestock), and the Mountains (Christmas trees, trout aquaculture, agritourism). Top agricultural counties include Duplin County ($1.3-2.0 billion annually), Sampson County ($1.28 billion), and Wayne County ($444 million). North Carolina agriculture and forestry together employ over 17% of the state's workforce, supporting more than 724,000 jobs when including food processing, distribution, and related industries. The hog industry alone generates over $10 billion in economic impact, with North Carolina ranking 3rd nationally in hog production.
Why Work on North Carolina Farms?
Working on North Carolina farms offers competitive wages with H-2A workers earning $16.16/hour in 2025 and average farm workers earning $15.47/hour. The state employs 25,000-50,000 H-2A workers annually, ranking in the top 5 states nationally for agricultural visa workers, providing extensive job opportunities for both domestic and international workers. North Carolina's three distinct agricultural regions create unique seasonal migration patterns—workers can move from eastern sweet potato and tobacco farms during spring and summer to western Christmas tree operations and mountain farms during fall and winter, enabling year-round employment within the state. The diversity of agricultural operations ranges from large-scale poultry integrations (3,300+ operations) and hog farms to specialty sweet potato farms, tobacco operations, and mountain Christmas tree farms. Many positions include housing benefits, particularly in the sweet potato ($129.3 million export market) and tobacco sectors where seasonal H-2A workers are concentrated. The state's agricultural research infrastructure, anchored by NC State University and the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, provides extensive training and skill development opportunities. North Carolina's mild climate allows extended growing seasons in the Coastal Plain (200+ frost-free days) while the mountain regions offer cooler summer conditions ideal for Christmas tree cultivation and outdoor work.
Types of Farms in North Carolina
North Carolina agriculture showcases exceptional diversity across three geographic regions. The **Coastal Plain** (eastern NC) dominates sweet potato production with 63.5% of U.S. output and $129.3 million in annual exports, alongside flue-cured tobacco farms producing 80.4% of U.S. tobacco. This region also hosts major hog operations (3rd nationally, $10 billion+ impact) concentrated in Duplin, Sampson, and Wayne counties. The **Piedmont** (central NC) features diversified operations including greenhouse and nursery production ($1.04 billion, 3rd nationally), dairy farms, and mixed crop-livestock operations. The **Mountain region** (western NC) produces approximately 50% of all Fraser fir Christmas trees in the U.S. (over $250 million retail value), with Ashe County alone generating $100+ million annually in Christmas tree sales. The state's poultry sector includes 3,300+ operations producing $6.8 billion in broiler chickens plus significant turkey production (#1 nationally). Specialty sectors include trout aquaculture in the mountains, extensive greenhouse operations, blueberry farms (growing sector), and agritourism operations. North Carolina leads in organic sweet potato production and has emerging hemp and CBD cultivation industries. The state's 42,817 farms range from small-scale organic vegetable operations serving local markets to large integrated poultry and hog operations. Forest products remain significant with North Carolina ranking among top states in timber production.
Getting Started with Farm Work in North Carolina
Entry-level farm positions in North Carolina typically start at $15.47/hour average wage, with H-2A positions guaranteed at $16.16/hour (2025 rate). The prime hiring season for sweet potato operations runs April through November, with peak harvest demand August through October in counties like Sampson, Nash, Wilson, and Johnston. Tobacco operations hire March through September, while Christmas tree farms in Ashe, Watauga, and Avery counties ramp up hiring September through November for the holiday season. Poultry operations in Union, Wilkes, and Duplin counties hire year-round for production positions, often including training programs. Many sweet potato and tobacco farms provide housing for H-2A workers, while larger operations may offer transportation assistance. Job seekers should target major agricultural counties: Duplin County ($1.3-2.0 billion ag economy), Sampson County ($1.28 billion), Wayne County ($444 million), and Union County (major poultry). The NC Farm Bureau, NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and NC Growers Association can connect workers with opportunities. No previous farm experience is required for many positions—employers provide on-the-job training, particularly in sweet potato grading and packing, tobacco curing, and Christmas tree shearing and baling. Spanish language skills are valuable but not required, as bilingual supervisors are common. Workers can establish year-round employment by moving between regions: eastern farms (spring/summer sweet potatoes and tobacco) to western farms (fall/winter Christmas trees), a common migration pattern within the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farm worker wages in North Carolina?
North Carolina farm workers earn an average of $15.47/hour, while H-2A agricultural workers receive a guaranteed minimum wage of $16.16/hour as of 2025. Sweet potato and tobacco operations often provide additional housing benefits for seasonal workers. The state employs 25,000-50,000 H-2A workers annually, ranking in the top 5 states nationally for agricultural visa programs, creating extensive employment opportunities.
What crops are grown in North Carolina?
North Carolina leads the nation in sweet potato production (63.5% of U.S. supply, $129.3 million in exports), flue-cured tobacco (80.4% of U.S. production), and Fraser fir Christmas trees (approximately 50% of U.S. market, $250+ million retail value). The state ranks #1 nationally in poultry and eggs ($6.8 billion in broiler chickens) and turkeys. Other major commodities include hogs (3rd nationally, $10 billion+ economic impact), greenhouse and nursery products ($1.04 billion, 3rd nationally), corn, soybeans, cotton, blueberries, and trout aquaculture. The state's three regions support diverse crops: Coastal Plain (sweet potatoes, tobacco, peanuts), Piedmont (diverse crops and livestock), and Mountains (Christmas trees, apples, vegetables).
Where are the main farming areas in North Carolina?
North Carolina agriculture centers in three distinct regions. The **Coastal Plain** (eastern NC) dominates sweet potato, tobacco, and hog production, with top counties including Duplin ($1.3-2.0 billion), Sampson ($1.28 billion), and Wayne ($444 million). The **Piedmont** (central NC) features diversified operations including Union County (major poultry) and greenhouse operations. The **Mountain region** (western NC) leads Christmas tree production, with Ashe County alone generating $100+ million annually in Fraser fir sales. Nash, Wilson, and Johnston counties are major sweet potato producers. Wilkes County is significant for poultry. This geographic diversity creates unique seasonal migration opportunities—workers can move from eastern farms (spring/summer) to western mountain farms (fall/winter) for year-round employment.
Is housing provided on North Carolina farms?
Many North Carolina farms provide housing, particularly for H-2A seasonal workers in the sweet potato and tobacco sectors. With 25,000-50,000 H-2A workers employed annually, housing is common on larger operations in Sampson, Duplin, Nash, and Wilson counties. Sweet potato farms often provide dormitory-style housing during the April-November season, while Christmas tree farms in the mountains may offer housing during the September-November harvest period. Poultry operations occasionally provide housing or housing assistance. Housing quality and amenities vary by farm size and operation type, with larger commercial operations typically offering more structured accommodations.
What is the agricultural season in North Carolina?
North Carolina's agricultural seasons vary dramatically by region and crop. The Coastal Plain offers 200+ frost-free days with sweet potato planting starting in April and harvest running August through October. Tobacco operations run March through September. The mountain region's Christmas tree industry peaks September through November for harvest, with year-round maintenance work (shearing, fertilizing, planting). Poultry operations run year-round with continuous hiring. This creates excellent opportunities for seasonal workers to establish year-round employment by migrating within the state: eastern sweet potato/tobacco farms (spring/summer) → western Christmas tree farms (fall/winter), a common pattern among agricultural workers. Greenhouse and nursery operations ($1.04 billion sector) offer year-round employment in climate-controlled environments.
How large is North Carolina's agricultural industry?
North Carolina's agriculture and forestry industries generate a record $111.1 billion in total economic impact (2024), with $16.9 billion in farm cash receipts, ranking 8th nationally in agricultural production. The state's 42,817 farms produce $6.8 billion in broiler chickens, over $10 billion in hog-related economic impact, $129.3 million in sweet potato exports, and $250+ million retail value in Christmas trees annually. Agriculture and forestry employ over 724,000 people (17%+ of state workforce) when including food processing, distribution, and related industries. Major sectors include poultry ($6.8B broilers, #1 nationally), hogs ($10B+ impact, 3rd nationally), greenhouse/nursery ($1.04B, 3rd nationally), sweet potatoes (63.5% U.S. share), tobacco (80.4% U.S. share), and Christmas trees (50% U.S. market share).