Agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness has a broad range of jobs. There are hands-on roles, as well as technical and research roles. If you’re good at problem solving and enjoy working outdoors, this industry could be for you.
If you don’t want to work on a farm or in a garden environment, there are other opportunities in the industry. There are jobs in wholesale and retail sales, transport and distribution, technology or finance. For example, you could work in retail, admin or technology for a business that makes or sells agricultural products. Science knowledge and data literacy also have advantages.
What people love about working in agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness
Here are some of the benefits of working in agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness:
- Excellent prospects for a range of roles in the industry.
- If you enjoy the outdoors or gardening, there are plenty of roles with physical work to keep you fit and healthy.
- Science, technology and advances in clean energy are changing the industry. You could work on the cutting edge of these developments.
- The industry brings essential, quality products to people in Victoria and beyond, which will give you a sense of accomplishment.
Where you can work
The agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness industry has a wide range of employers. For example, you could work on a farm, in a lab, in a greenhouse, or in a food processing facility.
The kinds of agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness settings you could work in include:
- farms
- laboratories
- farming supply shops
- nurseries
- garden settings, including market gardens, greenhouses, botanical gardens
- forestry and nature reserves
- landscaping companies
- processing facilities
- wholesale outlets
- product packaging and distribution facilities
- related business and government departments and/or offices
- related technology or manufacturing companies.
Average salary
The average weekly earnings for people who work in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in Australia is $1,100.
Source: Your Career(opens in a new window)
Please note:
- Agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness are part of the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry.
- This salary is current as of July 2024 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.
Job demand in Victoria
Below are the projected employment forecasts for the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2023 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2026.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 years. These forecasts are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Region | Workers 2023 | Workforce growth 2023-2026 | New workers needed by 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 76,165 | -0.8% | 5,562 |
| Melbourne – inner metropolitan | 1,015 | -0.5% | 77 |
| Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan | 434 | -0.4% | 35 |
| Melbourne – southern metropolitan | 6,712 | -0.2% | 572 |
| Melbourne – northern metropolitan | 2,218 | 0.0% | 197 |
| Melbourne – eastern metropolitan | 4,629 | 0.1% | 420 |
| Melbourne – western metropolitan | 2,194 | -0.2% | 183 |
| Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) | 4,375 | -1.0% | 288 |
| Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) | 6,745 | -0.9% | 469 |
| Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) | 5,098 | -0.6% | 405 |
| Gippsland | 11,079 | -0.9% | 788 |
| Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) | 3,779 | -1.1% | 258 |
| Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) | 6,369 | -0.4% | 516 |
| Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) | 6,134 | -1.2% | 372 |
| Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) | 3,746 | -1.2% | 237 |
| Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) | 11,639 | -1.2% | 746 |
Source: Victorian Skills Authority employment forecast dashboard
Career success stories
Feeding the world: Bec’s passion for training tomorrow’s farmers
“I don’t think people realise just how big agriculture is and how many different pathways there are into it. If I have the opportunity to support our future farmers, what a joy!”
The other side of farming: Harry shares his agribusiness experience
“I never really had an interest in working outdoors, but I wanted to get involved. Finance and administration has been a great fit for me. The business side complements the outdoor farming side.”
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness industry profile to find out about:
- what it’s like to work in agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness, and some of the jobs you could do
- training and skills to work in the industry, and financial assistance to help pay for your course
- help getting a job in agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness, and industry job forecasts for Victoria
- other free resources and advice to plan your training and career.
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