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Career Profile

Agricultural technologist

Agricultural technologists apply innovative technology, data and science to farming, helping producers increase productivity and sustainability across crops, livestock and land.
Engineering, Aviation and Science
Average weekly salary
$1934
Future demand
Moderate
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does an agricultural technologist do?

An agricultural technologist uses technology, data and science to help farms and agribusinesses work better. They identify and apply tools such as precision agriculture, sensors, data analytics and automation, and they collect and interpret data from soil, crops, livestock and machinery. Based on what they find, they advise producers on lifting productivity, using resources efficiently and farming more sustainably. The role blends technical science with practical, business-minded advice.

Agricultural technologists work across agribusinesses, farms, agtech supply and development companies, consultancies, research organisations and government agencies. The role often splits between field, laboratory and office, and is closely tied to Australia's agricultural regions and industries. Some focus on research and product development, others on advising producers directly.

Is a career in agricultural technology right for me?

A career in agricultural technology may suit you if you are interested in science, technology and farming, and you enjoy solving practical problems. You need to be comfortable with data, curious about new tools, and be able to explain technical ideas to farmers and businesses.

Other desirable skills and attributes of an agricultural technologist include:

Analytical thinking
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Industry knowledge
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.
Workplace readiness
The ability to work effectively in demanding, practical, or physically challenging environments.

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

Digital and technical capability
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.

How to become an agricultural technologist

Most agricultural technologists hold a bachelor degree in agricultural technology, agricultural science or a related field. Practical experience matters, so time on farms, in the field or through industry placements helps you turn technical knowledge into advice that works in real conditions.

Every journey is individual, and there are several paths to a career in agricultural technology. Here is one pathway you could take to become an agricultural technologist:

  1. Complete a bachelor degree in agricultural technology, agricultural science or a related field.
  2. Build knowledge of crops, soils, livestock, data and agricultural technology.
  3. Gain practical experience through farm work, field roles or industry placements.
  4. Develop skills in data collection, analysis and giving clear advice.
  5. Keep learning as agricultural technology and tools continue to change.

Accreditation and qualifications

There is no mandatory licence to work as an agricultural technologist. Some professionals choose to pursue recognition such as Certified Practising Agriculturalist (CPAg) through Ag Institute Australia once they have relevant qualifications and experience, though this is optional.

How long does it take to become an agricultural technologist?

A bachelor degree in agricultural technology or agricultural science, such as UniSQ's Bachelor of Agricultural Technology, usually takes three years of full-time study, or longer if you study part time.

Building the experience to advise producers confidently usually takes a few more years. Many agricultural technologists start in a field, technical or graduate role, then take on more responsibility as their knowledge grows.

Start your journey with UniSQ

Build the technology and science skills for an agtech career with UniSQ's Bachelor of Agricultural Technology, Queensland's first dedicated agricultural technology degree.

Bachelor of Agricultural Technology
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Agriculture and Environment degrees
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Evaluating and trialling new agricultural technologies.

Collecting and analysing field, soil, crop and livestock data.

Advising farmers on productivity, sustainability and resource use.

Conducting site visits, assessments and applied research.

Assessing the financial and environmental viability of agtech solutions.

Where you might work

Agricultural and agribusiness organisations

Environmental and sustainability organisations

Government agencies, departments and councils

Manufacturing and industrial companies

Research institutes and research centres

Universities and higher education providers

Agricultural technologist FAQs

Pay varies with experience, employer and region. For further information, please view the salary information on this page.

Most agricultural technologists hold a bachelor degree in agricultural technology, agricultural science or a related field. There is no mandatory licence, so employers look for a mix of formal study and practical experience. Professional recognition such as CPAg is optional and comes later.

Agtech is the technology used to improve farming, from precision agriculture and sensors to data analytics and automation. Agricultural technologists identify, trial and apply these tools, then help producers use them to lift productivity and sustainability while keeping them financially viable.

Agricultural technology is a growing area for people who want to combine science, technology and farming. Australian agriculture increasingly relies on data and technology to improve productivity and sustainability. UniSQ's Bachelor of Agricultural Technology, the first dedicated agtech degree in Queensland, provides a direct pathway.

Agricultural technologists work across agribusinesses, farms, agtech companies, consultancies, research organisations and government agencies. The role usually mixes field, laboratory and office work, and is closely tied to Australia's agricultural regions.

The two overlap and the titles are often used loosely. An agricultural scientist leans towards research, studying crops, soils, livestock and cultivation techniques to build new knowledge. An agricultural technologist takes that science, and the technology built on it, and applies it on farms, using tools such as precision agriculture, sensors and data analytics to help producers work more productively and sustainably. Official statistics do not separate the two. Both sit under Agricultural Scientist on the Your Career occupation profiles, which is where the salary and demand figures on this page come from.

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).