$57,000 Farm Jobs in Australia — Salary & Visa Sponsorship: Complete 2025 Guide

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Australia is globally renowned for its vast agricultural sector, producing crops, livestock, and dairy products that fuel both local consumption and international exports. For foreigners, Australia’s farming industry offers not only job opportunities with competitive salaries but also the possibility of visa sponsorship, making it an attractive destination for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about $57,000 farm jobs in Australia, including the types of roles, expected salaries, visa sponsorship eligibility, application strategies, and insider tips for success.

✅ Overview of Farm Jobs in Australia

The Australian agricultural industry is diverse, encompassing horticulture, livestock management, dairy, aquaculture, and cropping. Farm jobs are categorized into entry-level, skilled, and management roles:

Entry-level positions: Fruit picking, farm laborer, dairy assistant.
Skilled roles: Tractor operator, farm supervisor, irrigation technician.
Management roles: Farm manager, agronomist, livestock production manager.

For foreigners, the Australian government provides pathways to work in agriculture through programs like the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), and certain employer-sponsored visas.

Farm jobs can pay from AUD 50,000–70,000 annually depending on experience, skill level, and location, making $57,000 a realistic and achievable salary for many positions.

💰 Salary Expectations for Farm Jobs

Understanding the salary range is crucial when planning to work on Australian farms:

Entry-level farm jobs: AUD 50,000–57,000
Skilled farm roles: AUD 57,000–65,000
Farm management roles: AUD 65,000–90,000+

Factors influencing pay:

Location – Farms in remote or regional areas may pay more due to workforce shortages.
Skillset – Experience with machinery, livestock, or agricultural technology increases earning potential.
Role complexity – Supervisory and managerial positions earn higher salaries.

For example, a tractor operator with experience in large-scale crop production can earn AUD 57,000–60,000 annually, while a livestock farm supervisor may reach AUD 65,000+.

🌏 Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

Foreigners seeking to work in Australian agriculture often need a visa. Several visa options provide pathways to legally work on farms:

1. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)

Allows people aged 18–30 (or 35 in some countries) to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
Offers opportunities in seasonal farm work.
Completing specified farm work can qualify you for a second-year visa extension, which is beneficial for long-term planning.

2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Requires sponsorship by an Australian employer in regional areas.
Provides up to 5 years of residence in designated regional locations.
Suitable for skilled roles such as farm supervisors, agronomists, and irrigation specialists.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Designed for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
Provides permanent residency options.
Ideal for higher-paying farm management roles.

4. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for roles they cannot fill locally.
Covers skilled farm jobs like machinery operators, farm supervisors, and agronomists.

🌱 Common $57,000 Farm Jobs in Australia

Here are some popular farm roles that typically offer around AUD 57,000 per year, along with the skills and qualifications required:

1. Farm Supervisor

Role: Manage daily farm operations, supervise laborers, and maintain livestock or crops.
Skills: Leadership, knowledge of agricultural practices, machinery operation.
Visa suitability: Eligible for employer-sponsored visas.

2. Tractor & Machinery Operator

Role: Operate tractors, harvesters, and other farm machinery.
Skills: Mechanical knowledge, experience with farm equipment.
Salary: AUD 55,000–57,000

3. Livestock Assistant / Stockman

Role: Care for cattle, sheep, or other livestock, assist with feeding, breeding, and health monitoring.
Skills: Animal husbandry, teamwork, stamina.
Visa suitability: Eligible for Working Holiday or regional sponsorship.

4. Irrigation Technician

Role: Maintain and repair farm irrigation systems, ensure efficient water usage.
Skills: Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical expertise.
Salary: AUD 57,000–60,000
Visa suitability: Subclass 482 or 491 visa options

5. Agronomist / Farm Consultant

Role: Advise on crop health, soil management, and farm productivity.
Skills: Agricultural science degree, problem-solving, technology use.
Salary: AUD 55,000–70,000

📝 Qualifications and Skills Required

While some farm jobs are entry-level, $57,000+ roles typically require specialized skills or experience:

Experience in farm operations: Harvesting, livestock management, crop cultivation.
Technical skills: Machinery operation, irrigation systems, pest control, fertilization.
Leadership skills: Supervisory roles often require team management experience.
Certifications:
- Machinery operation licenses
- Chemical handling certifications
- Agricultural diplomas or degrees

Pro Tip: Highlight both practical farm experience and technical skills when applying from abroad to increase your chances of landing higher-paying roles.

🌏 Working Conditions and Benefits

Australian farm jobs not only pay well but also often include additional benefits:

Accommodation – Some farms provide housing for seasonal workers.
Meals – Basic meals may be offered on-site.
Overtime pay – Agricultural work often involves long hours; overtime is usually compensated.
Travel support – Farms in remote areas sometimes provide transport allowances.
Visa assistance – Many employers sponsor visas for skilled positions, reducing paperwork and legal hurdles.

Note: Working conditions can be physically demanding, but wages, visa support, and experience in Australia make it a valuable opportunity.

🌟 Tips for Securing $57,000 Farm Jobs from Abroad

1. Research the Employer

Identify farms offering visa sponsorship.
Check reviews, employee testimonials, and company websites.

2. Tailor Your CV

Highlight farm experience, technical skills, and certifications.
Quantify achievements wherever possible:

“Managed a herd of 500 cattle, increasing productivity by 15%.”

3. Prepare for Interviews

Employers often test practical knowledge: machinery operation, livestock care, crop management.
Prepare to answer questions about availability, work flexibility, and willingness to relocate.

4. Highlight Visa Eligibility

Clearly indicate your ability to work legally in Australia or mention willingness to obtain sponsorship.

5. Leverage Australian Job Portals

Websites like Seek, Indeed, and Agri Labour Australia list farm vacancies.
Government resources like Job Outlook provide insights into skill demand.

6. Network

Connect with current or former farm workers through forums, LinkedIn, or social media.
Networking helps identify hidden opportunities not listed publicly.

💡 Benefits of Farm Jobs in Australia for Foreigners

Experience in a global agricultural market – Gain exposure to modern farming technologies.
High pay for semi-skilled roles – $57,000 is competitive for entry-to-mid-level farm work.
Visa pathways – Many jobs offer sponsorship for longer stays or permanent residency.
Skill development – Learn machinery operation, livestock management, crop cultivation, and irrigation.
Potential for career growth – Seasonal workers can progress to supervisory or managerial roles.

🏆 Career Progression Opportunities

Starting with a $57,000 farm job can lead to:

Farm Supervisor – Oversee daily operations, manage teams.
Agricultural Technician – Specialize in irrigation, soil management, or pest control.
Farm Manager – Lead large-scale operations, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Consultant / Agronomist – Advise multiple farms on productivity and technology.

Pro Tip: Completing a Working Holiday Visa farm work requirement can increase eligibility for regional skilled migration, creating pathways to permanent residency.

✅ Key Takeaways

$57,000 farm jobs in Australia are attainable for both semi-skilled and skilled foreign workers.
Visa sponsorship is available for skilled roles via Subclass 482, 186, or regional visas.
Experience and certifications matter — machinery operation, livestock handling, and farm management skills boost employability.
Networking and research are crucial for identifying employers who sponsor visas.
Working conditions are demanding but compensated with high pay, benefits, and career opportunities.
Seasonal farm work can serve as a gateway to permanent residency under certain visa programs.

Australia’s farm sector offers a unique combination of competitive pay, visa pathways, and career growth, making it a highly attractive option for foreigners seeking international work experience. By understanding the industry, tailoring applications, and demonstrating skills and eligibility, you can successfully secure a $57,000 farm job in Australia.