Planning a future in agriculture and considering Canada as your destination? That’s a smart move. Canada is one of the top countries in the world when it comes to modern farming. It uses advanced technology, smart farming methods, and has a lot of land, which makes agriculture an important part of the economy. But farming in Canada isn’t just about planting crops or raising animals. There are many other exciting jobs in this field, like working with new technology, doing scientific research, managing farm businesses, and helping the environment.
If you want to build a career in agriculture, it’s helpful to know which jobs pay the most. That way, you can make smarter decisions about what to study and what kind of job to go after. In this blog, we’ll look at the highest-paying agricultural jobs in Canada, how much they usually pay, what education or skills you need, and which companies are hiring.
Table of contents
List of Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Agriculture in Canada
The highest-paying agriculture jobs in Canada usually require a good education, special skills, and hands-on experience. These jobs are in high demand because they help with important things like producing enough food, protecting the environment, and using new farming technologies. Below is a list of the top 10 best-paying agriculture jobs in Canada, along with key information about each one.
1. Agribusiness Manager
Agribusiness managers play a key role in the success of farms, food companies, and agricultural groups. They are in charge of running the business side of things, including planning, budgeting, hiring staff, and marketing products. This role is one of the highest-paying agriculture jobs in Canada because it requires strong leadership, business skills, and a good understanding of the agriculture industry.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 80,000 – CAD 120,000 |
Key Responsibilities | Business strategy, operations, supply chain |
Education | Bachelor’s in Agribusiness, Economics, or MBA |
Industry | Agribusiness, Food Production |
2. Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural engineers use engineering skills to solve problems in farming. They work on things like designing better farm machines, improving irrigation systems, and finding ways to manage soil more effectively. This job is considered one of the highest-paying agriculture jobs in Canada because it combines technology and agriculture to make farming more efficient and sustainable.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 85,000 – CAD 115,000 |
Key Responsibilities | Design farm machinery, manage water systems |
Education | Bachelor’s in Agricultural or Mechanical Engineering |
Industry | Machinery, Irrigation, Research Institutes |
3. Veterinarian (Livestock)
Veterinarians who specialize in livestock take care of the health of farm animals like cows, chickens, and pigs. Their work is very important for the dairy, poultry, and meat industries. Because of their expertise and impact on food production, this role is one of the highest-paying agriculture jobs in Canada.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 90,000 – CAD 130,000 |
Job Areas | Animal health, disease prevention, herd care |
Education | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) |
Industry | Dairy, Poultry, Meat Processing |
Also Read:
4. Agricultural Economist
Agricultural economists play a key role in analyzing economic factors that impact the agriculture industry. They study market trends, trade policies, and global economic conditions to understand how these elements influence agricultural production and pricing. Their research helps businesses, governments, and organizations make informed decisions about investments, pricing strategies, and long-term planning. Due to the specialized knowledge required and the importance of their work, this is considered one of the highest-paying agriculture jobs in Canada.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 85,000 – CAD 110,000 |
Skills Needed | Market analysis, data modeling |
Education | Degree in Agricultural Economics or Economics |
Industry | Research, Government, Finance |
5. Food Scientist
Food scientists are responsible for developing and testing food products to ensure they are safe to eat, nutritious, and meet government regulations. They work closely with food manufacturing companies to improve product quality, shelf life, and safety. Their expertise is especially important in food production and international trade, making this one of the highest-paying agriculture jobs in Canada.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 75,000 – CAD 105,000 |
Key Responsibilities | Product development, quality control |
Education | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science |
Industry | Food Processing, R&D, Quality Assurance |
6. Precision Agriculture Technician
Precision agriculture specialists use advanced digital tools like GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics to make farming more accurate and efficient. They help farmers monitor crops, manage resources, and reduce waste, leading to better yields and lower costs. This field is one of the fastest-growing areas in modern agriculture, driven by the demand for smarter, more sustainable farming practices.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 65,000 – CAD 90,000 |
Skills Needed | GIS, remote sensing, agri-data analysis |
Education | Diploma or degree in Agri-Tech |
Industry | Smart Farming, Agri-Tech Startups |
7. Crop Production Specialist
Crop production specialists work with farmers to increase crop yields and improve the quality of harvests. They provide expert advice on fertilization, pest and disease control, irrigation, and crop rotation strategies. Their guidance helps farms operate more efficiently and sustainably, making them a valuable part of the agricultural industry.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 65,000 – CAD 95,000 |
Job Focus | Agronomy, soil health, pest management |
Education | Degree in Agronomy, Plant Science |
Industry | Crop Science, Fertilizer Companies |
8. Soil Scientist
Soil scientists study different types of soil to understand their properties and how they affect plant growth. They provide important recommendations on land use, fertilizer application, and soil conservation practices. Their work supports sustainable farming by helping farmers maintain healthy soil, prevent erosion, and protect the environment.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 70,000 – CAD 100,000 |
Key Responsibilities | Soil testing, erosion control |
Education | Degree in Soil Science or Environmental Science |
Industry | Government, Research, Land Management |
9. Agricultural Policy Analyst
Policy analysts in agriculture examine laws, government programs, subsidies, and international trade rules that impact the farming industry. They assess how these policies affect food production, pricing, and rural communities. Their analysis helps shape national agricultural strategies and support systems for farmers, making their role essential to informed policy-making and sustainable agriculture.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 75,000 – CAD 100,000 |
Job Duties | Policy review, stakeholder analysis |
Education | Public Policy, Agriculture, or Law |
Industry | Government, NGOs, Consulting |
10. Greenhouse Manager
Greenhouse managers are responsible for overseeing crop production in controlled environments, such as greenhouses. They manage the growth of fruits, vegetables, and flowers throughout the year by carefully regulating temperature, humidity, light, and water use. Their role ensures high-quality yields while maximizing resource efficiency, making them vital to modern, sustainable agriculture.
Criteria | Details |
Average Annual Salary | CAD 60,000 – CAD 90,000 |
Core Tasks | Climate control, pest management, yield tracking |
Education | Horticulture, Greenhouse Technology |
Industry | Indoor Farming, Commercial Nurseries |
Top Industries Offering the Highest Agriculture Salaries in Canada
Some areas in Canada’s farming industry pay the most because they use new technology, have big farms, and need skilled workers. These industries help grow food and sell it to other countries.
- Agri-Tech and Smart Farming
- Food Manufacturing and Processing
- Animal Health and Veterinary Services
- Agri-Finance and Risk Management
- Crop Science and Biotechnology
Also Read:
How to Get the Highest-Paying Agriculture Jobs in Canada?
Salaries in agriculture depend on specialization, work experience, education level, and job location. Here’s how you can boost your career prospects in this field:
- Choose the Right Major: Degrees in agribusiness, agricultural engineering, food science, or veterinary medicine are high-value.
- Gain Practical Experience: Internships, farm placements, or research projects can give you a competitive edge.
- Earn Professional Certifications: Consider certifications in food safety, farm management, or precision agriculture tools.
- Stay Updated with Agri-Tech: Knowledge of drones, data analysis, and climate-smart practices is in demand.
- Apply in High-Demand Regions: Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario offer strong job markets in agriculture.
FAQs
Some of the top-paying roles include agribusiness manager, agricultural engineer, veterinarian, agricultural economist, and food scientist.
Veterinarians and agribusiness managers often top the list, with salaries reaching up to CAD 130,000 per year.
For high-paying roles, a degree is usually required—particularly in engineering, economics, veterinary medicine, or plant science.
Yes, it’s a fast-growing field with excellent job prospects, especially as farms adopt smart technologies.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and British Columbia are top regions for high-paying agricultural careers.
Agricultural engineers earn between CAD 85,000 and CAD 115,000 annually on average.
You need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and gain experience working with livestock to specialize in farm animal health.
Yes, the agriculture sector in Canada is increasingly diverse and offers many opportunities for women in roles ranging from farm management to research and technology.
Technology like drones, GPS, sensors, and data analysis helps improve crop yields, reduce waste, and make farming more efficient and sustainable.
Absolutely. Canada welcomes international students who study agriculture-related fields and offers pathways to work in the country after graduation.
Follow Us on Social Media