When it comes to salaries in pork production, most would assume that larger operations always offer better pay. But the 2025 Pork Production Salary Survey suggests that this isn’t always the case.
This year’s survey gathered data from over 100 professionals across the pork industry — from veterinarians and nutritionists to farm managers and production leaders. One trend stood out clearly: smaller producers compete well for compensation, and in some cases, outpay larger companies.
Smaller operations, strong offers
Let’s start with veterinarians. Among U.S.-based solo contributors (those with no direct reports), two professionals working for smaller producers reported base salaries between $110K and $120K, while another earned between $150K and $170K — all with additional bonuses. One received over 30 percent in incentives, a level often associated with higher leadership roles.
In comparison, a veterinarian working in a leadership role at a large company earned $110K–$120K, which is comparable to what solo contributors at smaller companies earned — without the added managerial responsibility.
Even among VPs and Directors of Live Production, some professionals working for smaller operations reported six-figure base salaries plus incentives, with one earning over $190K at a single-site producer. These numbers challenge the idea that only the largest operations offer top-dollar salaries.
Compensation as a strategic tool
The takeaway is clear: smaller companies are using compensation to stay competitive. For roles in veterinary services, nutrition, and production management, salary isn’t necessarily tied to headcount or organizational size. Instead, compensation often reflects specialization, performance, and the company’s strategy to retain experienced professionals.
This opens the door for smaller producers to attract talent that might otherwise gravitate toward larger operations — especially when paired with other advantages like flexibility, faster decision-making, or broader roles.
P.S. If this topic interests you, we also have a free eBook on how small and mid-sized companies can compete for top talent — happy to share the link.
For professionals: company size isn’t everything
If you’re a jobseeker or someone open to new opportunities, these results are a useful reminder to look beyond big names. A smaller company can offer just as much — and sometimes more — in terms of compensation and growth potential. In fact, some of the highest earners in this year’s survey came from leaner operations with targeted needs and generous pay structures.
Want to know more? Contact me at Maria@ContinentalSearch.com
The 2025 Pork Production Salary Survey is now available for free download. It includes salary and bonus data across multiple roles, levels, and regions in the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
A big thank you again to all the professionals who participated — your responses helped us put together a resource that reflects the reality of today’s compensation landscape.
📘 Download the full report here: https://continentalsearch.com/ebook/2025-pork-production-salary-survey/
