Building a career in agriculture might sound off, but it’s a great and winning decision in Australia. This world-class country is known for its reputation of producing fantastic food and fiber, thereby contributing to the national economy. Interestingly, there are numerous highest-paying agricultural jobs in Australia such as agricultural consultant, grower, crop manager, and agronomist, among others.
Farmers in Australia provide most of the country’s food, as well as agricultural products for major exports. In addition, Australia raises livestock and grows crops which is great for a country with such vast spaces, abundant resources, and steadfast settlers. Australian agriculture is also important internationally to boost its economy.
As an agricultural giant, Australia provides you with immense opportunities to learn, grow, and create a productive future for yourself. However, if you’re planning to secure one of the highest-paying agricultural jobs in Australia, the best time to start is now. You’ll find abundant job opportunities and the chance to work longer and earn more, due to the updated post-study visa policy.
Furthermore, the average annual salary for agricultural jobs in Australia ranges from $70,000 to $80,000. Although some determining factors can either increase or decrease this salary range. Such factors include job type, location, skills, and experience.
Read on for some of the highest-paying agricultural jobs in Australia.
What are Agricultural Jobs?
Agricultural jobs are professional careers related to farming, cultivation, and animal husbandry. These jobs however involve everything from growing crops and nurturing the soil to raising livestock like cattle, goats, and chickens. Furthermore, some agricultural jobs also incorporate manufacturing, marketing, and selling the products that result from crops and livestock.
As well as providing support and assistance throughout the farm. In this article, we have compiled some of the highest-paying agricultural jobs in Australia, read on.
Highest-paying Jobs in Agriculture
Irrespective of the career pathway you choose to pursue, an agricultural job may provide a productive and rewarding professional path. Listed below are the average salaries and responsibilities of ten agricultural jobs.
1. Agricultural Consultant
As an agricultural consultant in Australia, you’ll have to work closely with farmers, landowners, conservation organizations, and other agricultural businesses. However, your responsibility includes giving business and technical advice to business owners and ensuring that the businesses are working successfully. Therefore, you must understand the business and be aware of the implications your advice may cause. An agricultural consultant in Australia will earn an average salary of $88,000 annually.
2. Agricultural Research Scientist
If you love conducting research and experiments, then taking up the job of an agricultural research scientist in Australia would be a great career pathway for you. Aside from trying out new ways to improve the productivity and sustainability of farm crops and animals through research and trials. You’ll also create new products, and develop better packaging, processing, and delivery methods for your clients. However, you can earn an average salary of $105,000 per year.
3. Agricultural Equipment Technician
Agricultural equipment technicians are in charge of maintaining, installing, and repairing farm machines and implements. Furthermore, they ensure preventive maintenance which includes refueling machines, replacing batteries, changing oil, and lubricating moving parts of farm implements. As an agricultural equipment technician, if you notice any malfunction, you’ll perform diagnostic tests and conduct the necessary repairs.
In addition, reading, understanding, and interpreting manuals is a necessity for equipment technicians. As well as the use of computers to diagnose problems and document necessary maintenance and repairs. Meanwhile, some agricultural equipment technicians may fabricate parts, repair electrical systems, or weld machine components together. You will earn an average annual salary of $65,000 as an agricultural equipment technician in Australia.
4. Grower
Growers are basically in charge of raising crops by managing their growing environment to keep them healthy and fresh. They are responsible for planting seeds, fertilizing, and irrigating crops on the field. In addition, they must devise schedules that will enable them to achieve maximum yield and productivity.
As a grower, you should experiment with new types of seed or innovative growing methods. Growers also specialize in some specific types of crops, such as heirloom plants or animal feed. Furthermore, growers must ensure that they meet predetermined crop yields and quality levels, to get bonuses or additional compensations. You can earn an average salary of $58,000 per year.
5. Sales Representative
The sales representative is another highest-paying agricultural job in Australia. Their main responsibility is to sell materials and products to businesses and government agencies. They also search for prospective customers by attending trade fairs, reviewing customer lists, and following referrals from existing clients. Agricultural sales reps in Australia can earn an average salary of $60,000 annually.
Furthermore, sales reps attend to customers, determine their demands, educate customers about their products, and create budget-friendly packages for them. As an agricultural sales rep, you may negotiate pricing, answer questions about product availability, and draft sales contracts. In addition, you’ll need to follow up with customers regularly to attempt additional sales and to build strong relationships.
6. Crop Manager
As a crop manager, you’ll oversee the many steps in the crop production process. They supervise seed sourcing, planting processes, and scheduling as well as fertilizing, irrigation, and harvesting. Furthermore, these professionals research market conditions, weather forecasts, and environmental issues to determine the perfect methods for raising crops.
They may also study federal incentive programs as they decide which crops to prioritize. Most crop managers oversee the activities of the staff such as growers, farm workers, and other laborers. Also, they are in charge of maintaining equipment and supplies, as well as facilitating sales. However, crop managers in Australia may earn an average salary of $61,500 per year.
7. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers also earn high salaries in Australia, about $77,500 per year. However, they use science and engineering principles to design and apply solutions to problems that occur on agricultural sites. They may also assess environmental conditions such as testing soil and analyzing drainage capabilities, as well as develop improvements.
Environmental engineers create plans and systems for developing healthier soil, better drainage, and more efficient waste filtering. Many environmental engineers also oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of the systems they develop.
8. Feed Mill Manager
Feed mill managers supervise the production and storage of animal feed. They are also in charge of monitoring inventory levels, scheduling feed production, and ensuring the grains are of high quality. Furthermore, they set and maintain quality standards, assess and improve operating procedures, and track customer complaints.
Most feed mill managers also perform administrative tasks, including preparing budgets and overseeing teams of workers. In addition, you can earn an average annual salary of $79,000 as a feed mill manager in Australia.
9. Agronomist
If the deep study of agriculture interests you, then Australia is one of the best destinations to build an agricultural career in this field. As an agronomist, your daily tasks will include studying soil, plants, seeds, and products to gain a better understanding of crop needs. As well as developing more effective and efficient farming practices and conducting experiments and research.
In addition, you also ensure that new developments in crop varieties, crop rotation, disease, and pest control as well as tillage systems are implemented in farming. With an average salary of $78,000, you are good to go as an agronomist in Australia.
10. Food technologist
To successfully become a food technologist in Australia, you’ll need to create and improve products through experiments, perform tests on food ingredients, and product prototypes. Also, you must ensure that the correct methods are used when it comes to generating data for food quality standards. Furthermore, food technologists may plan the manufacture of food and drink products.
They work in a wide range of settings such as kitchens, offices, laboratories, and factories, among others. However, food technologists in Australia can earn an average salary of $66,000 annually.
Benefits of Agricultural Jobs in Australia
One of the benefits of doing farm work in Australia is that the cost of living is low compared to other countries. Although Australia has a relatively high standard of living, most farm work offers wages higher than the national minimum wage. In addition, the cost of goods is also lower compared to many other countries.
Conclusion
The career in agriculture that’s right for you depends on your interests. However, securing one of the highest-paying agricultural jobs in Australia requires dedication and commitment. Nevertheless, whatever field you wish to venture into, the journey will undoubtedly be a pleasant and educative one.