PURPOSE: Several studies have explored the relationship between various aspects of work and the onset of depressive symptoms. However, there is a lack of research focusing on the association between job types and depressive symptoms. This study aims to investigate the impact of agricultural work on depressive symptoms and whether life satisfaction mediates this relationship. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) (n = 6856). Participants were categorized based on whether they were engaged in agricultural or non-agricultural work and further classified as self-employed or employed. Depressive symptoms and life satisfaction were assessed using the CES-D and SWLS scales. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations, and Baron and Kenny's mediation test and the Sobel test were used to assess the mediating effect of life satisfaction. RESULTS: Engaging in agricultural work was positively associated with increased depressive symptoms scores (B = 3.437, p < 0.001), indicating that agricultural work exacerbates depressive symptoms. This effect was partially mediated by life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Self-employed agricultural workers are a high-risk group for depressive symptoms. Additionally, life satisfaction plays a mediating role between type of job and depressive symptoms. Public health recommendations aimed at improving or mitigating depressive symptoms among agricultural workers could focus on enhancing life satisfaction to promote healthier psychological status.