Agricultural consultant

What does an Agricultural Consultant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Agricultural consultants provide advice and expert support to farmers, companies, and organizations within agriculture and rural development. Typical tasks include advising on crop production, animal husbandry, economics, environmental measures, and technology choices. The work often involves field visits, analysis of farm production conditions, and evaluation of agricultural economic calculations. Many consultants are employed by county administrative boards, advisory firms, or interest organizations, but some work as independent entrepreneurs. The work environment is varied, combining office work with outdoor work on farms, requiring flexibility and the ability to adapt to different environments and working conditions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Agricultural Consultants has steadily increased, with an average salary of 40,300 SEK in 2022, 45 200 SEK in 2023, and 45 700 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 13 percent over the period. The largest increase occurred between 2022 and 2023, likely due to increased demand for specialist expertise in agricultural advising and a growing awareness of sustainability issues in the industry. Salary growth has since plateaued somewhat but continues to show a positive trend. Gender pay gaps persist, with men generally earning more than women in the profession. The stable growth reflects a certain shortage of qualified consultants and an increased need for advice as agriculture becomes more complex.

Agricultural Consultant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 275 SEK
• Men (average): 48 700 SEK/month
• Women (average): 41 300 SEK/month
• Women’s salary as % of men’s: 85%
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on employer and region, but detailed statistics are lacking.

Education and qualifications

To work as an Agricultural Consultant, a university degree in agriculture, agronomy, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience in farming as well as strong knowledge of advising, economics, and environmental issues. The educational path can vary, but the industry values both theoretical and practical competence. Continuing education and specialized courses are often advantageous.

• Formal degree: University education in agriculture, agronomy, or related (3–5 years)
• Certifications: Courses in advising, environmental issues, or economics can be advantageous
• Practical experience: Hands-on experience from farming or advising increases employability
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies, often with a science background
• Tips for choosing: Opt for programs that include both theory and practical training for the broadest competence

Common benefits and compensations

Many agricultural consultants are offered company cars, wellness allowances, remote work options, and flexible hours. Other common benefits include further training, professional development, and participation in industry conferences. Some employers also provide pension contributions beyond collective agreements and extra vacation days.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Agricultural Consultants is characterized by a relatively limited number of positions, which can make competition for attractive jobs tough. Specialization in areas such as environmental issues, digitalization, or financial management can be crucial to stand out during recruitment. Another challenge is staying updated on new regulations, technological innovations, and changes in agricultural policy. Gender pay gaps are evident and highlight a need for increased gender equality within the profession. Additionally, the workload can be high during peak seasons in agriculture.

Tips for aspiring Agricultural Consultants

To succeed as an Agricultural Consultant, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in farming and rural development. Being communicative and pedagogical helps when conveying complex advice to different audiences. Engagement and curiosity are key traits, as the profession requires continuous learning about new methods and laws. Practical farming experience is a big plus and lends credibility to advice. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are helpful when working environments shift between office and field. Building a network within the industry is also important for new opportunities and collaborations. Finally, being organized and good at planning is advantageous, especially during busy periods.

Key facts about Agricultural Consultants

• Education level: University degree in agriculture or agronomy (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Combination of office work and field visits on farms
• Typical employment: Permanent employment, but consulting assignments are also common
• Demand: 360 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 85% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an Agricultural Consultant can advance to more specialized roles such as environmental advising, financial management, or project leadership. There are also opportunities to become a lead consultant, advisory manager, or start one's own consulting firm. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for this profession due to limited data, but the number of available jobs indicates ongoing demand for the skill set. Specialist knowledge in digitalization, sustainability, or EU subsidies offers good opportunities for development and more advanced assignments.

Frequently asked questions about Agricultural Consultants

• What does an Agricultural Consultant earn?
  - The average salary is 45 700 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and employment type.
• What education is required to become an Agricultural Consultant?
  - Higher education in agriculture, agronomy, or a related field is recommended.
• What is the job market like for Agricultural Consultants?
  - There are 360 available jobs within the profession, but competition for certain positions can be fierce.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 85% of what men do within the profession.
• Which employers hire Agricultural Consultants?
  - County administrative boards, advisory firms, interest organizations, and sometimes private companies.
• What benefits are common in this profession?
  - Common benefits include company cars, wellness allowances, remote work options, and professional development.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an Agricultural Consultant?
  - The highest salary is 49,300 SEK and the lowest is 34,400 SEK per month, depending on gender, education, and employment type.