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Agricultural machinery operator

Find out more about working as an agricultural machinery operator and the possible pathways to job opportunities.

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Agricultural machinery operators use and maintain machines for agricultural work. Technology continues to change agriculture. Upskilled workers, especially machinery operators, are in demand.

Find out what an agricultural machinery operator does and the related Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and pathways you can take to secure a job.

What is an agricultural machinery operator?

As an agricultural machinery operator, you will use machines to plough land, and to sow, fertilise, cultivate and harvest crops. You will need to have a sound understanding of the machines, how they work and how to use them. You may also need to service the machines and perform minor repairs.

Find out more about these agricultural machinery operator jobs on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

Explore these related TAFE and training courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course.

Median salary

The median weekly earnings for agricultural, forestry and horticultural plant operators in Australia is $1,504.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia(opens in a new window)

Note that this salary is current as of January 2025 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.

Job demand in Victoria

Below are the employment projections for agricultural, forestry and horticultural plant operator and earthmoving plant operator jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

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Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 3,273 409 1,330
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 21 <10 13
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan <10 <10 <10
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 201 42 103
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 71 13 42
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 101 17 51
Melbourne – western metropolitan 92 20 61
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 192 13 77
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 199 29 73
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 183 14 76
Gippsland 517 81 239
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 259 22 76
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 487 44 148
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 252 37 86
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 161 23 68
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 531 49 212
Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 12,740 2,427 6,107
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 298 97 174
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan 111 25 49
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 1,694 365 828
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 1,712 455 1,006
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 1,247 250 559
Melbourne – western metropolitan 1,819 492 1,175
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 699 105 343
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 780 93 307
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 930 145 481
Gippsland 1,195 166 457
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 240 20 68
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 434 38 124
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 475 47 158
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 604 77 222
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 503 51 155

Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections Dashboard

Resources to plan your next steps

Visit our agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness industry profile to find out about:

Explore growing industries in your region

Training and careers in your region

Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Training and careers in growing industries

Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Updated 24 January 2025

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