Discover 2025 salary benchmarks, essential skills, and qualification requirements for agricultural engineering (ANZSCO 233912) and consulting (ANZSCO 234111) jobs in Australia. Includes VETASSESS, CDR, and migration pathways for skilled professionals.  

Introduction  

Agricultural engineers in Australia earn an average of AU$112,000 annually, while consultants average AU$95,000, with top earners exceeding AU$150,000 in regional roles. Demand for precision agriculture and sustainable farming drives these figures higher. Professionals must meet strict qualification benchmarks under ANZSCO 233912 and 234111 to secure visas or advance careers. This article details salary ranges, key skills, and required credentials for agricultural engineering and consulting jobs in Australia. Whether you target entry-level positions or senior advisory roles, clear benchmarks guide your path.  

Salary Benchmarks: What Agricultural Engineers and Consultants Earn in 2025  

Agricultural engineering salaries in Australia vary by experience, location, and sector. Entry-level engineers start at AU$67,500, while mid-career professionals earn AU$90,000–$120,000. Senior agricultural engineers command AU$135,959 on average, with total packages reaching AU$166,000 in Sydney. Regional roles often include incentives, pushing agronomist pay scale regional vs urban higher—up to 15% above metropolitan averages due to shortage allowances.  

Agricultural consultant salary benchmarks show similar progression. Junior consultants earn AU$70,000–$85,000, while senior agricultural consultant income averages AU$110,000–$140,000. Agribusiness firms pay premiums for expertise in carbon farming or irrigation, with bonuses adding 10–20%. Gender gaps persist: male agronomists earn AU$92,959 versus AU$64,215 for females, though equity initiatives narrow this in 2025.  

Entry-level agricultural engineer salary in Sydney or Melbourne hovers at AU$75,000, but regional postings in Queensland or NSW offer AU$80,000+ with relocation support. Consultants in farm management earn AU$5,000–$10,000 more annually in rural areas. Self-employed consultants bill AU$150–$300 per hour, yielding six-figure incomes with established networks.  

Essential Skills: What Employers Demand from Agricultural Professionals  

Employers prioritize technical and soft skills for agricultural engineers under ANZSCO 233912. Precision agriculture skills top the list—proficiency in GIS, drones, and sensor technology proves critical. Soil analysis and irrigation engineering competencies enable engineers to design water-efficient systems, reducing farm costs by 20%. Project management and CAD software round out core requirements.  

Agricultural consultants need key skills in crop management, pest control, and sustainability advising. Communication and negotiation in agricultural advisory roles build trust with farmers, driving adoption of new practices. Research and data analysis agronomy benchmarks help consultants interpret soil tests and yield data accurately. Business acumen supports farm profitability plans, while regulatory knowledge ensures compliance with biosecurity standards.  

Both roles value adaptability. Agri-tech skills assessment for migration pathways now includes AI and machine learning basics. Employers seek evidence of problem-solving—engineers who optimize machinery downtime, consultants who boost yields by 15% through tailored advice. Continuous professional development via Agronomy Australia or Engineers Australia maintains relevance.  

Qualification Benchmarks: Education and Assessment Pathways  

A bachelor degree in agricultural engineering or science meets AQF requirements for ANZSCO 233912 and 234111. Universities like the University of Southern Queensland and Charles Sturt offer accredited programs. Engineers Australia assesses qualifications via CDR for migration—applicants need four competency elements, including 1–3 years of post-qualification experience.  

VETASSESS skills assessment for agricultural consultants requires a highly relevant degree and two years of recent experience. Postgraduate qualifications in agronomy careers enhance prospects—Master’s degrees in precision agriculture or soil science add 10–15% to starting salaries.  

Skilled migration agricultural engineering benchmarks favor applicants with recognized credentials. The Skilled Occupation List includes both roles, enabling Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas. English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+) and age under 45 maximize points. Professional year programs in engineering provide extra migration points and local experience.  

Conclusion  

Agricultural engineering and consulting jobs in Australia offer competitive salaries, diverse skills demands, and clear qualification pathways. Engineers average AU$112,000, consultants AU$95,000, with regional premiums. Master precision tech, earn a relevant degree, and complete CDR or VETASSESS assessments to succeed. Start by reviewing your qualifications against ANZSCO standards today. Â