WESTERN GROWERS 2025 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS SHIFTING
COMPENSATION IN AGRICULTURE Employers expect higher wages, new wellness programs and technology-driven cost management as the industry navigates a competitive labor market. By Cierra Allen, Program Manager
For over 15 years, the annual Western Growers Compensation and Benefits Survey has provided a detailed look into how member companies are approaching pay structures, employee retention and executive compensation. The 2025 survey shows that companies are working harder than ever to not only attract talent but also keep it, all while adjusting to new technology and workplace expectations to shape the agriculture workplace of tomorrow. Workforce and Pay Trends A key finding in the 2025 survey is that 75 percent of respondents expect pay ranges to increase in the next year. This is not surprising given the pressure of rising labor costs, the increased need for skilled workers and the attempt to keep up with inflation trends. Despite the expected pay increases, turnover remains a challenge. The survey found that for operations and field jobs, the turnover rate in 2024 was 10 percent. This percentage highlights the importance of keeping on trend with increased compensation and appealing benefits for agriculture companies where the workforce is already slim. How Employers are Hiring and Keeping Workers Companies are now finding different ways to recruit the best and brightest workers in the agriculture industry. The survey found that 38 percent of companies are now using social media to fill open positions. This percentage shows just how creative companies are becoming. Another important aspect the survey found is flexibility in the workplace, as a flexible work schedule was identified as one of the most important strategies to attract and retain employees. In a post-COVID area, flexible work is increasingly becoming an expectation. Employee referrals are also becoming more common in the recruiting space as nearly one-third of the companies surveyed have employee referral programs. To further address increasing labor challenges, employers are offering different types of incentives. Over 20 percent of the companies surveyed provide a second- shift differential, thus rewarding and acknowledging employees who take on less desirable hours. In terms of field workers, 40 percent of the survey respondents offer piece-rate pay based on quantity, thus giving workers the chance to earn more. Performance, Wellness and Benefits A core aspect of the industry’s pay practices continues to be using performance-based pay. It was reported that
over two-thirds of employers tie merit increases directly to performance, making it clear that compensation reflects the employees’ efforts. While compensation seems to be a high priority, wellness programs are increasingly becoming popular. More than half of the surveyed companies have a wellness program or are in the process of considering one. Wellness programs can range from stress management activities to healthy eating tips. While vacation policies can vary from company to company, the survey found that the typical company offers seven paid holidays per year. Executive Compensation Insights The survey also highlights several key factors in executive level compensation. For chief financial officers (CFOs), holding professional certifications such as a CPA license leads to a 42 percent higher expected compensation level when compared to CFOs without credentials. This demonstrates the desire for skilled expertise at all levels of an organization. Sales and marketing show a different trend. The 2025 survey found that top sales and marketing executives with fewer than 10 years of experience earn below- average levels compared to their peers. However, the compensation trajectory changes with time. Once the executives reach 10 to 20 years of experience, their pay is expected to increase by 22 percent. The sharp increase proves that expertise in a skilled area is highly desirable to a company. Looking Forward The 2025 Western Growers Compensation and Benefits Survey shows an industry that is in transition and learning about balance. Employers are not only increasing pay but also finding incentives like wellness programs and flexible schedules are necessary to have a satisfied workforce. Organizations are also testing out new programs like AI to combat the ever-rising labor cost issue. At the executive leadership level, certifications and experience are continuing to be big factors in compensation levels. The Western Growers Compensation and Benefits Survey is only successful and helpful to the agriculture industry if we have participants. The 2025 survey is now available to purchase on the Western Growers website. We highly encourage all members to participate in the 2026 survey (opening in January). Members wishing to participate should contact Cierra Allen at callen@wga.com or visit the agsalary.com website.
15 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com November | December 2025
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