Beekeepers

Employers

Beekeeping is a small and specialized profession. The National Honey Board (NHB) estimates that there are approximately 115,000 to 125,000 beekeepers in the United States, and many are hobbyists with less than 25 hives. There are approximately 1,600 commercial beekeeping operations in the United States (defined as those with 300 or more bee colonies). Honey production is highest in the following states: California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, North Dakota, Louisiana, and New York. The vast majority of beekeepers today do not depend on beekeeping for their income; they're known in the trade as "sideliners" or hobbyists. Most beekeepers run their own independent business rather than work for a large commercial establishment.