6 Highest Paying Agriculture Jobs in New Zealand

Farming in New Zealand isn’t just a lifestyle—it can also be a rewarding and financially stable career. While entry-level roles are plentiful, the agricultural sector offers a range of specialised, well-paying jobs for those with the right skills, experience, and drive.

If you're thinking long-term or considering a career move within the industry, this guide highlights some of the highest-paying agriculture jobs in New Zealand, what they involve, and how to get there.

At Max People, we help place job seekers in agriculture roles across the country—from general farm work to leadership and specialist positions. Let’s take a closer look at where the best-paying opportunities are.

1. Farm Manager

Average Salary: $90,000–$130,000+ per year
Farm managers oversee daily operations, budgets, and staff on large farming properties. They make key decisions around livestock, cropping, pasture management, and production planning.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Strong leadership and communication
  
  
• Several years’ experience in hands-on farming
  
  
• Understanding of budgeting, compliance, and reporting
  
  
• Agricultural science or business qualifications (optional but beneficial)
  
  

Farm managers are essential for driving productivity and profitability on commercial farms—especially in dairy and sheep/beef operations.

2. Agricultural Contractor / Machinery Operator

Average Salary: $70,000–$100,000+ per year (plus overtime)
Highly skilled contractors operate and maintain heavy machinery like harvesters, sprayers, and balers. Many work seasonally across farms, making this a lucrative path for those comfortable with tech and travel.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Confidence with large, complex machinery
  
  
• Mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting
  
  
• Agricultural contracting experience or training
  
  
• Ability to work independently and seasonally
  
  

Want to get started? Check out agricultural sector jobs.

3. Dairy Herd Manager

Average Salary: $65,000–$90,000 per year
Herd managers play a crucial role in dairy operations. They oversee the health, breeding, and productivity of the herd, manage junior staff, and report to farm owners or managers.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Experience with milking systems and herd health
  
  
• Record-keeping and pasture planning knowledge
  
  
• Leadership skills
  
  
• On-the-job progression or formal animal husbandry training
  
  

Dairy farming offers excellent career progression for those who start as farm hands and build up their experience over time.

4. Agronomist or Crop Advisor

Average Salary: $75,000–$110,000 per year
Agronomists work with farmers to improve crop yield and soil health. Their advice can affect everything from fertiliser use to pest control strategies.

Skills & Experience Required:

• A degree in agricultural science, biology, or environmental studies
  
  
• Knowledge of local crops and soil conditions
  
  
• Analytical thinking and communication skills
  
  
• Ability to travel and build farmer relationships
  
  

This role is ideal for those with a passion for science and sustainability.

5. Livestock Nutritionist / Animal Health Specialist

Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000+ per year
These specialists work with farms to design feeding programmes and improve animal health outcomes. Roles exist within feed companies, research institutions, and large-scale operations.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Relevant degree or qualifications in animal nutrition or veterinary science
  
  
• Field experience and data interpretation skills
  
  
• Communication and advisory expertise
  
  

It’s a role that combines science with hands-on farming impact.

6. Viticulturist (Vineyard Manager)

Average Salary: $70,000–$100,000+ per year
NZ’s growing wine industry creates demand for skilled viticulturists who manage vineyard health, harvesting cycles, and grape quality.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Viticulture or horticulture qualifications
  
  
• Knowledge of irrigation, pruning, and disease management
  
  
• Leadership and seasonal planning skills
  
  

This is a great path for those interested in plant science and the wine industry.

How to Work Towards These Roles

You don’t need to start at the top. Many high-paying agri roles begin with entry-level positions that offer on-the-job learning. To get there:

• Be reliable, consistent, and open to learning
  
  
• Take on additional responsibilities when possible
  
  
• Upskill through NZQA-approved courses or certifications
  
  
• Partner with a recruiter who understands the agricultural career path
  
  

Max People helps you build from the ground up by placing candidates into roles that offer progression and long-term potential.

Explore more on our agriculture sector page to see what roles are in demand now.

Final Thoughts

Agriculture in New Zealand offers far more than seasonal work or entry-level farm jobs. With the right skills, dedication, and support, you can grow into a fulfilling, high-paying career—whether you're operating machines, managing livestock, or advising on crop strategies.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Talk to Max People about where your skills can take you.

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