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
Common industries
- Arable farming
- Livestock farming
- Dairy farming
- Mixed farming
- Estate management
Data coverage
Median Salary
£32,728
Mean Salary
£33,471
Jobs (000s)
6k
Data Years
11 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Mid Level
£32,728
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£32,728
Full-time Only
£35,295
Full-time premium: +£2,567
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Lifetime earnings
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