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Farmer, Milk Producer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Dairy producers own and operate dairies. Owners of small- or medium-sized dairies do most of the work themselves. Owners of large dairy farms may hire supervisors and herdspersons.
In general, their duties include:
The dairy industry runs under a supply-management system. That means all dairy producers must obtain a quota from Alberta Milk before they can ship milk to processing plants. Once they obtain a quota, they must produce the specified amounts at all times.
Dairy producers work indoors in barns and dairy offices. They also work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Modern barns are well ventilated. Manure is flushed out regularly.
Working hours are long and can vary. Dairy producers must stick to a strict daily schedule, but they may also work split shifts, depending on the time of year. They milk and feed cows 2 or 3 times a day, 365 days a year.
Technology and automation have made this work less tedious and physically demanding than it once was. But the work still requires daily management and repetitive manual labour.
Dairy producers must follow safety precautions to avoid injury when working with machinery. They must also wear protective clothing.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in supervising and hiring farm workers; and in determining amounts and kinds of crops to be grown and livestock to be raised, and in purchasing farm machinery, livestock, seed, feed and other supplies
Interest in co-ordinating information to plant, cultivate and harvest crops; and in raising and breeding livestock and poultry
Interest in driving - operating and maintaining farm machinery, equipment and buildings
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Dairy producers need:
They should have few or no allergies to grains, feeds, animals, or dust. They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 45 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2021 and Jul 07, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Truck | 25 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Maintain farm machinery, equipment and buildings | 25 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 23 |
| Tasks: Perform general farm duties | 23 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Tractor | 22 |
| Attention to detail | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 20 |
| Work Setting: Rural area | 20 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 19 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 19 |
Dairy production is a specialized business. Many dairy producers have post-secondary education and additional training related to:
The Government of Alberta offers the Green Certificate Program. The program provides apprenticeship-style training. It combines hands-on farm mentorship with formal education.
The program is free and available to students at all Alberta high schools. Various specializations, such as dairy production, are offered at each level. Graduates of the Level I Green Certificate Program are certified as farm production technicians. They may earn credits toward their high school diploma for each specialization they complete. Level II (farm production supervisor) and III (agribusiness manager) Green Certificates are also available. They are meant for people interested in a career in agriculture.
To participate in the Green Certificate Program, trainees must be at least 15 years of age and in grade 10, 11, or 12. The training takes about a year. That allows trainees to experience all 4 seasons on a farm.
For more information on registration requirements and other details, students may visit the Green Certificate Program website or ask their guidance counsellor.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
It is expensive to set up a dairy operation. Initial costs include land, buildings, meeting production quota, equipment, and cows. Ongoing costs include feed, veterinary fees, breeding expenses, and labour. There are also operating costs, such as facility upkeep, utilities, and fuel. Programs may be available to help with some of these costs. Alberta Milk’s New Producer Assistance Program is one example.
There are various jobs at large dairy operations. Examples are general farm workers, dairy workers, milkers, calf raisers, dairy herd operators, herdspersons, assistant herdspersons, and dairy managers. With courses, on-the-job training, and experience, general workers on dairy farms can advance to positions with more responsibility.
Those who have university degrees and dairy farm experience may move into positions with government, inspection agencies, industry organizations, or private businesses, like feed companies or equipment companies.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Managers in agriculture
2016 NOC: 0821
95.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Dairy production ensures the dairy producer a regular monthly income. However, total incomes vary from one dairy operation to another depending on the size of the herd, its production capacity, and the size of the operation’s debt load (loans and major expenses). Dairy farm income often is supplemented by sales of surplus animals, purebred stock, and crop products such as grain and forage.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.50 | $57.69 | $31.69 | $31.60 |
| Overall | $19.75 | $57.69 | $37.12 | $35.41 |
| Top | $26.71 | $68.68 | $48.78 | $48.46 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $76,919 |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | $78,707 |
| Wholesale Trade | $44,338 |
| Public Administration | $103,311 |
Government of Alberta website, Agriculture and Irrigation: www.alberta.ca/agriculture-and-irrigation.aspx
Alberta Milk website: albertamilk.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 21, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
