anzsco.com.au
ANZSCO 121318Skill level 1Version 5Updated 2026-04-26

Pig Farmer

A Pig Farmer manages intensive or semi-intensive pig production enterprises, raising pigs for pork, smallgoods, and export markets. Australian pig farming is a largely indoor industry with significant biosecurity and welfare requirements.

Indicative salary range
$52,000 - $90,000 (2025 indicative)

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

Labour market demand

Moderate and stable; the pig industry is concentrated in SA, QLD, and NSW with ongoing demand for experienced stockpersons.

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.

  • CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List

    The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.

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
WAWestern AustraliaView nomination →
SASouth AustraliaView nomination →

Key duties

  • Manage feeding, growth stages, and production cycles
  • Monitor animal health and implement biosecurity protocols
  • Oversee breeding programs and farrowing management
  • Maintain effluent management and environmental compliance

Skills required

  • Pig husbandry and production cycle management
  • Biosecurity and disease control
  • Feed management and nutrition
  • Sow and farrowing management

Typical qualifications pathway

Certificate III in Agriculture (Pig Production) or equivalent is typical. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.

Visa & occupation list information

Listed on both ROL and CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 482, 491, and 494. Employer sponsorship via 482 is a viable route for skilled pig farm workers For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.

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Occupation record last reviewed by editorial team: