I flew about 900hrs last year at 2 jobs and averaged about $180/hr, I could have done more but I enjoy my current wife, This year is starting out to be even better than the last.

Cropdusting isn't for everyone but I go to work with a smile everyday.

Sprayplane.org is a good place to start

also AgAir Update | Ag Aviation's Newspaper

I just talked to a guy that manages a Ag Service in Northern ND and he said they are paying there pilots $1/acre with each pilot spraying 1000-3000 acres a day depending on what they are applying. 3-4 months, consistent business, sun up to sun down, 175K seems possible. Now if I only got on at the beginning of the season and had the tail wheel time.

I agree, that is a pretty insane number for crop dusting!! If thats the case, I might need to set my sights on getting into that, haha.

I'm new to the forum so if I step on anyone's toes, sorry in advance.
I'm a mid 50's cropduster turned 747 pilot who went back to cropdusting after 9 years in 744's and 742's including being a captain for a year.
Why did I go back and quit the dream job of most pilots?

1) I get about the same pay as I did as a captain. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less, but close.
2) No more jet lag.
3) Better benefit package than the airline (I'm not kidding. I even have a pension.)
4) I only work 5 months a year.

So if you think this profession might be right up your alley, I have the following suggestions.

1) Buy a inexpensive taildragger. A Champ, a cub, whatever you can afford. You have to have tailwheel time to get started. The beauty of the Champ is that you can probably sell it for what you have in it.
2) Get a job with a spray outfit and work as a loader. Work harder than anyone else there and be reliable. Never late, never hung over. You can fly during the windy days in the Champ and build time or run for parts. Believe me, your boss will be watching.
3) Don't think you're going to get out of paying your dues. 2-3 years on the ground is average. Even then, you're not equal with someone else flying there with 10,0000 hours of Ag time. Just accept the fact that you're still a newbie.
4) Be teachable. This is one of the most important attributes you can have. BTW, in order to be teachable, your have to have a mentor. DO NOT GO OUT AND START YOUR OWN BUSINESS USING DADDY'S MONEY. This is one of THE most unforgiving professions. You will require someone to walk you through it. I can provide names of deceased pilots who didn't follow this advice.
5) Have fun! This is extremely rewarding to do for a living. Airline pilots will roll their eyes at you and think you're crazy. They're just jealous because their airliner can land itself better than they can.

Finally, the question I get asked the most is: Aren't you worried about the chemicals?
I've never been sick because of the chemicals. I respect them. I'm careful with them. I don't fear them in the least. I've known many, many people who've gotten cancer. Only 2 of them were Ag pilots. Several pilots I know who got cancer flew 747's. Last time I heard, our cancer rate was half way between a white collar worker and a blue collar worker.

"...Pen One Five (spelled out for censorship)"

Weren't they a Punk Rock Band out of Charlotte, NC?

Just an article I came across.

Crop dusting pilots navigate dangerous airspace

The met towers are a big concern, but I very much disagree with the author's assertion that ag pilots are the "adrenaline junkies" of the farm world.

I don't know anyone that does ag work that flies for adrenaline. If that's what they're experiencing, they're doing it wrong, and definitely doing it for the wrong reasons.

That's because there's no need to throw up when loading, unless you're really not cut out for the flying. (in which case one ought not be flying at all...it's not that demanding).

There's no tolerance to pesticides; the exposure is cumulative.

The secret is don't splash, and stand upwind. Problem solved.

I flew for 2 summers for Barnstormers Aerial Advertising in Myrtle Beach S.C and built about 1500 hours. Had a great time and the guys are great and above all very professional. Safety is their #1 concern.
I payed for training but they helped me out with training over the summer. Anyone have any questions will be happy to answer.