SOC 5111 Skilled agricultural and related trades

Farmers Salary

Median salary £32,728 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £33,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For farmers, £35,295 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -10% versus the national average.

About this role

Farmers own or manage agricultural holdings, producing crops, livestock, dairy or mixed farm products. They make decisions on land use, crop rotation, animal husbandry, machinery, staffing and marketing while balancing productivity with environmental stewardship.

Key responsibilities

Planning and managing crop production and harvesting
Managing livestock breeding, welfare and health
Operating and maintaining agricultural machinery
Managing farm business finances, grants and compliance
Ensuring compliance with DEFRA regulations and environmental standards

Qualifications and entry routes

Many enter through family farming or agricultural college. Degrees in agriculture from institutions like Harper Adams or the Royal Agricultural University are valued. BASIS, FACTS and Red Tractor certifications are required for specific activities.

Career outlook

Generational change creates opportunities. Technology (precision agriculture, GPS-guided equipment) and environmental land management schemes are reshaping the industry.

Key skills

Agricultural knowledge Business management Machinery operation Animal husbandry Environmental stewardship

Common industries

Arable farming
Livestock farming
Dairy farming
Mixed farming
Estate management

Data coverage

SOC code 5111

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 6,000

Median Salary

£32,728

Mean Salary

£33,471

Jobs (000s)

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £32,728

P10: --P25: --Median: £33kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£32,728

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +35.9%Real growth: -0.5%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£32,728

Full-time Only

£35,295

Full-time premium: +£2,567

Farmers salary: common questions

How much do farmers earn in the UK?

Farmers earn a median of £35,295 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £35,295 a good salary in the UK?

For farmers, £35,295 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -10% versus the national average.

Have farmers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median farmers pay has risen from £24,935 to £35,295 — +42% in cash terms, or +3.0% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).