Agricultural Machinery Operators
8AI USED FOR8%moving to53%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £24,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM AGRICULTURE →
Agricultural Machinery Operators
Agricultural machinery operators are the backbone of modern farming in the UK, driving innovation and efficiency in food production. With the rise of technology in agriculture, this career offers exciting opportunities for those passionate about machinery and the outdoors. If you want to be at the forefront of sustainable farming practices while enjoying a hands-on role, this is the career for you.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Agricultural Machinery OperatorIn this entry-level position, you will learn the basics of operating agricultural machinery under supervision. You will gain hands-on experience and develop your skills in machinery maintenance and crop management.£20,000 - £24,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Agricultural Machinery OperatorAt this stage, you will take on more responsibilities, including operating advanced machinery and leading small teams. Your knowledge of agricultural practices will be crucial in optimising operations and ensuring safety.£28,000 - £32,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Agricultural Machinery OperatorIn a senior role, you will oversee machinery operations across multiple farms, implement new technologies, and train junior operators. Your expertise will be vital in driving efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices.£36,000+
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓AgricultureUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Sustainable Land and Business ManagementUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Bioveterinary Science with Science Foundation YearUniversity of Lincoln · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£25,500 median
🎓Environment and Sustainability with Professional Placement YearThe Royal Agricultural University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£25,000 median
🎓Agriculture with Business Management (with integrated year in industry)Prifysgol Aberystwyth · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£24,000 median
All Agriculture courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
AgricultureUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · DegreeSustainable Land and Business ManagementUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne · DegreeBioveterinary Science with Science Foundation YearUniversity of Lincoln · DegreeEnvironment and Sustainability with Professional Placement YearThe Royal Agricultural University · DegreeAgriculture with Business Management (with integrated year in industry)Prifysgol Aberystwyth · DegreeAnimal SciencePrifysgol Aberystwyth · Degree