What does a 10124591farm7.08farm worker5.27labourer4.07animal3.41agriculture2.191542791328336.6513.5929.20HOURLY83100192025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Farm Worker do?

The role of a farm worker is incredibly diverse. In fact, there are many types of farm workers, including, for example, beef cattle farm worker, dairy farm worker, farm machinery operator, poultry farm worker, harvester machine operator, just to name a few. The job can be split into two categories, with everything that is animal related on one side and everything crop related on the other. In the job, selected candidates will plant, cultivate and harvest crops as well as raise livestock and poultry. Being savvy and proactive is necessary, as farm workers often have to repair farm equipment, buildings and fences.

Farm worker skills and qualifications

Farm workers spend a lot of time on their feet. A good fitness level is required to be effective in this role. Successful 10124591farm7.08farm worker5.27labourer4.07animal3.41agriculture2.191542791328336.6513.5929.20HOURLY83100192025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Farm Worker candidates have the following skills to be able to fulfil their duties:

• Have physical strength, balance and coordination
• Be able to work on their own
• Be patient, calm and display emotional intelligence
• Be flexible and open to change
• Be hard working and have stamina
• Have a passion for animals and their welfare
• Be able to use a computer and other hand-held devises

Farm worker experience requirements

Although it is recommended to obtain qualifications in order to become a farm worker, training is usually done on the job. For these reasons, candidates should demonstrate that they have experience of working in an agricultural environment. A combination of part-time work and part-time study is possible. As the day-to-day tasks are incredibly varied, skills and knowledge gained through work experience are highly valued in this field. Candidates who do not have experience should seek to familiarise themselves with the agricultural environment during their holidays, weekends or through a school work experience placement.

10124591farm7.08farm worker5.27labourer4.07animal3.41agriculture2.191542791328336.6513.5929.20HOURLY83100192025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Farm Worker education and training requirements

Becoming a farm worker is possible through a college course, an apprenticeship or even by applying directly. It is recommended to take a course at an agricultural college. There, candidates can obtain different levels of certificates, such as Level 1 Certificate in Practical Farm Animal Care Skills, Level 2 Extended Certificate in Agriculture, Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture or T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production. All of these courses combine theory and practical skills in crop production, animal breeding and farm machinery.

Farm worker salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average hourly wage for a farm worker is £10.34. This salary will vary depending on the type of tasks allocated, the location and the ratio of jobs available versus jobseekers at the time of the application.

Job description samples for similar positions

Check out our sample job descriptions for similar roles below. You can also use our Indeed article on how to write a job description here to create the best job description possible.

• Handyman
• Animal Nursing Assistant
• Veterinary Technician

Farm worker job description FAQs

Do employers provide accommodation to farm workers?

In some cases, agricultural workers get self-contained accommodation as part of their job. If so, they automatically have an ‘assured agricultural occupancy’ unless there is a written notice at the start of the tenancy saying that it is an assured short-hold tenancy instead. Refer to government advice on agricultural tenancies for more details.

What is the minimum wage for farm workers?

As well as the UK National Minimum Wage, there is a specific Agricultural Minimum Wage. The minimum pay for farm workers depends on various factors: their age, whether they are on an apprenticeship, and the grade of the job. For more details, see the UK Government website.

How are farm worker roles graded?

The grade of a farm worker job is based on the skills and responsibilities for the role. Grade 1 is the initial grade, where a farm worker is supervised. Grades 2 to 4 are based on certain levels of qualification and experience. Grade 5 is for supervisory roles, and grade 6 is for farm management.