Agricultural Production Operations at Niagara County Community College

Sanborn, NY · Public · Associate Degree

with a smaller student body of 2,859 in Sanborn, NY.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,131/yr, roughly in line with the $33,953 national median for Agricultural Production Operations. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 26.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Agricultural Production Operations graduates.

With first-year pay of $33,131 far exceeding the $10,300 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #5 out of 12 programs, Niagara County Community College's Agricultural Production Operations offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $33,131 to $35,595 over five years (7% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 7 registered apprenticeships mapped to Agricultural Production Operations, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
49
Score
51
High End
Earnings $33,131/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (132,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$360K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
26.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
10 of 10
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$13,452
Out-of-state: $23,724
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,300
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,595
7% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Agricultural Production Operations graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830 +4.0% 52%
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980 -1.3% 63%
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350 +4.1% 50%
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
$100,830
+4.0% growth 52% AI-proof
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980
-1.3% growth 63% AI-proof
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350
+4.1% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 10 career paths with full salary data →

Agricultural Production Operations Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Agricultural Production Operations careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering agriculture & natural resources.

Read the full Agricultural Production Operations career guide →

Compare & Explore

Agricultural Production Operations Overview

Agricultural Production Operations at Other Schools

Other Majors at Niagara County Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Niagara County Community College's Agricultural Production Operations program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Agricultural Production Operations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I worry about AI if I study Agricultural Production Operations at Niagara County Community College?
Our scenarios model 38% of Agricultural Production Operations tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Niagara County Community College's 49/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Agricultural Production Operations program at Niagara County Community College?
If Niagara County Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 7 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Agricultural Production Operations. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Agricultural Production Operations from Niagara County Community College?
At 132,800 annual openings, Agricultural Production Operations has a very large employment base. Niagara County Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →