anzsco.com.au
ANZSCO 121217Skill level 1Version 5Updated 2026-04-26

Sugar Cane Grower

A Sugar Cane Grower manages the cultivation and harvesting of sugar cane on properties primarily located in coastal Queensland and northern NSW. Australia's sugar industry supplies both domestic and export markets, with most cane crushed at regional mills.

Indicative salary range
$55,000 - $95,000 (2025 indicative)

Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.

Labour market demand

Stable demand in Queensland's coastal cane growing districts; industry faces structural adjustment pressures.

Occupation list membership

Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.

  • ROLRegional Occupation List

    Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.

Assessing authority

The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.

Visa pathways

Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.

State nominations

States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.

CodeState / TerritoryDetails
NSWNew South WalesView nomination →
WAWestern AustraliaView nomination →

Key duties

  • Plan cane planting, ratoon management, and harvest schedules
  • Manage soil nutrition, irrigation, and weed control
  • Coordinate harvesting using mechanical harvesters and haulout
  • Liaise with mill suppliers on delivery schedules and cane quality

Skills required

  • Sugar cane agronomy and ratoon management
  • Harvester and farm machinery operation
  • Irrigation and soil management
  • Mill delivery logistics and quality assessment

Typical qualifications pathway

Certificate III in Agriculture or equivalent practical experience is typical; degree qualifications in agriculture are an advantage. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.

Visa & occupation list information

Listed on the ROL only, making subclass 491 the primary pathway. Regional Queensland state nomination may be available for agricultural workers For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.

anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.

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Occupation record last reviewed by editorial team: