5111 Farmers

In short

• ONS unit group 5111, in minor group 511 (Agricultural and related trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £34,100 (£17.49 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £28,200 (£14.46 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Farmers and related occupations cultivate arable crops, fruits and trees, and raise cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and other livestock for consumption.

Typical entry routes

No formal academic qualifications are required, but prior practical farming experience is normally needed. Training is typically received on-the-job and via a variety of vocational qualifications in agriculture, including NVQs/SVQs at levels 1 to 4. Apprenticeships are also available in some areas.

Tasks

• feeds and waters animals, takes responsibility for livestock health and welfare, treats minor ailments and calls vet if necessary
• plants, propagates, sprays, fertilises and harvests field crops
• undertakes farm maintenance tasks such as fencing, hedging, cleaning and building maintenance
• operates and maintains farm machinery such as combine harvesters, straw balers, milking machines and tractors
• arranges for the sale of crops, livestock and other farm produce
• maintains records of production, finance and breeding
• ensures good environmental practice is observed in all tasks

Related job titles

• Agricultural contractor
• Agricultural technician (farming)
• Crofter (farming)
• Farmer
• Herd manager

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5111 Farmers

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Agricultural contractors
• Aquaculture farmers
• Arable farmers
• Dairy farmers
• Livestock farmers
• Poultry farmers
• Farmers not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£34,100 (£17.49 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5111 Farmers

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5111

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Agricultural contractors
• Aquaculture farmers
• Arable farmers
• Dairy farmers
• Livestock farmers
• Poultry farmers
• Farmers not elsewhere classified

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£28,200 (£14.46 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 511

• 5112 Horticultural trades
• 5113 Gardeners and landscape gardeners
• 5114 Groundsmen and greenkeepers
• 5119 Agricultural and fishing trades n.e.c.

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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