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Agronomist

Alternative titles for this job include Crop scientist, agricultural consultant, agronomy manager

Agronomists advise farmers on soil health, disease prevention and how to improve crop production and quality.

Average salary (a year)

£22,500 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Agronomist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You'll usually need qualifications relevant to agriculture like a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in:

  • agriculture
  • biology
  • crop and plant science
  • ecology
  • environmental science

Some employers may also look for relevant postgraduate qualifications in subjects like:

  • soil science
  • genetics
  • crop technology

With a degree or postgraduate qualification you can apply for a graduate training scheme with organisations, such as:

  • independent consultancies
  • companies selling agrochemicals, seed or fertiliser products
  • land and farming charities
  • government departments

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could get relevant skills and knowledge by taking a course like:

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture
  • T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Courses like these can help you move on to further training at university or an apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Agriculture Professional Adviser Level 6 Apprenticeship.

You might also specialise by doing a Soil Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are equivalent to degree and postgraduate level, respectively, and can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Other Routes

You could study for the BASIS Foundation Award in Agronomy if you're new to the industry and have limited crop experience and knowledge. This will give you an introduction to agronomy, crop protection and crop nutrition.

More Information

Career tips

You'll have an advantage when applying for jobs or training, if you have some experience of farm work. Agricultural colleges, universities and local farms may be able to help with this.

Professional and industry bodies

For professional recognition and training opportunities you could join the Association of Independent Crop Consultants or BASIS.

Further information

You can find out more about a career as an agronomist from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • science skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • business management skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to learn through your work
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

You'll need the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection if you're advising on or selling pesticides in the UK. This is a legal requirement.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • advise farmers on land management and how to improve crop yields
  • study soil, fertilisers and other factors which affect crop growth
  • create chemical, biological and organic treatment plans to promote healthy crops
  • carry out field trials to solve clients' crop problems
  • use new technology to track plant growth and changes in environmental conditions

We've identified this as a green job

As an agronomist, you'll help farmers to produce crops in a more efficient and sustainable way. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in an office, on a farm, at a research facility or visit sites.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could specialise in precision farming methods, like laser weeding, or developing nutrition plans for fruit or vegetable crops.

You could also study for a postgraduate master's degree, like soil science or genetics and become a consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an Agronomist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Agriculture Level 3 Extended Diploma

  • Provider: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2025
  • Location: Moreton Morrell

Agriculture Level 3 Year 1

  • Provider: ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: WITNEY
Find courses near you

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