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SOC 5111 Skilled agricultural and related trades

Farmers Salary

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

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)

6k

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)

Nominal growth: +35.9%Real growth: -0.7%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£32,728

Full-time Only

£35,295

Full-time premium: +£2,567