Hiring in Rural Areas

Why is hiring different in the country?

Small places have fewer workers, and many already have jobs or farms of their own. Good people may need to commute a long way, and some leave for bigger towns. Employers compete with large employers nearby for the same few people.

On the other hand, a reputation for fair treatment travels quickly. A business known as a good place to work often hears from people before a job is posted.

Think about what you can honestly offer: steady hours, flexible schedules around school and farm work, training and respect. Be honest in job descriptions about the pace, the weather, the hours and the physical demands. People who know what they are signing up for are far more likely to stay past the first month.

Where do you find workers?

Start close to home. Word of mouth, a note at the feed store, church bulletins, school career programs, community colleges and the local workforce office all reach rural people. Online job boards help only where people have internet.

Ask current employees to suggest people they trust, and consider retirees, teenagers, parents who want school-hour work and people changing careers. Keep a short list of people who asked about work when you had no opening. In a small place, those names are often your best source when someone suddenly quits.

• State or county workforce office
• High school and community college programs
• Farm and trade organizations
• Church, club and community notice boards
• Referrals from current workers

What legal and tax rules apply to employers?

Employing people involves wage rules, payroll taxes, workers' compensation, safety rules and rules on hiring minors. Farm work has some different rules than other work, and they vary by state. Do not rely on what a neighbor does.

Contact your state labor department, your state workers' compensation office and a licensed accountant or payroll provider. The Small Business Development Center can point you to the right agencies. This guide cannot give legal or tax advice. Keep written records of hours, pay and any agreements, even with family and friends. Clear records protect both sides if a question comes up later.

How do you handle transportation and housing barriers?

A job that is 40 minutes from the nearest town may be impossible for someone without a reliable vehicle. Consider flexible start times, carpools or help with fuel, if you can afford it and it is allowed.

Seasonal workers may need housing, and rules on worker housing can be strict. Ask your state and county agencies what applies before you offer a room, trailer or bunkhouse.

Internet access can also matter for training and paperwork, so offer a way to complete tasks on site. If you are far from town, ask workers what would help most. Sometimes a small change in start time solves the problem better than money.

How do you train and keep people?

Many rural jobs teach skills on the job. A clear first-week plan, a patient trainer and honest feedback help new workers succeed. Write down the main tasks so you are not relying on memory.

Pay fairly, communicate schedules early and thank people. Workers usually leave over treatment and uncertainty more than small differences in pay. Set a regular check-in with each worker during the first season. A short conversation about what is going well and what is not prevents small frustrations from growing into a resignation.

• A written list of main tasks and standards
• One person who trains each new worker
• Check-ins after the first week and the first month
• Schedules posted well ahead
• Thanks given in person

How do you keep people safe?

Farms, shops and processing sites have real hazards. Train workers on equipment, heat, chemicals, animals and first aid, and make sure they know how to call for help when cell service is poor.

Talk to your insurance agent and state workplace safety office. Treat every near miss as a lesson. Post emergency numbers and the exact address where everyone can see them, and review the plan with every new worker.

What about seasonal and part-time help?

Many rural businesses rely on seasonal or part-time workers. Plan ahead, and tell workers the dates and expected hours honestly. Ask your state labor department about rules for seasonal workers, young workers and foreign workers, since requirements can be complex.

Bring good seasonal workers back by treating them well and keeping in touch during the off-season.

• Write down dates and expected hours
• Ask the state labor department about seasonal rules
• Keep in touch in the off-season
• Offer a fair, clear welcome to returning workers

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.