Beekeeper

A Beekeeper operates beehives to produce honey and honey products. You’ll oversee the health of bee colonies and make sure your bees have suitable nutrition and living conditions. Beekeepers may market their product for sale and organise transportation of sold products. You might also breed bees for use in pollinating other crops.

To be a Beekeeper you’ll need to be passionate about bees and bee products. You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors and may have to perform tasks that require physical labour. It’s important that you can plan ahead and you should have excellent observational skills. Beekeepers also need to do a range of marketing and administrative tasks during their day.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $72,800
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a beekeeper?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
AHC31818

Certificate III in Beekeeping
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $8,670
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper Apiarist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper Apiarist
AHC20122

Certificate II in Agriculture
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
2 - 24 months
$0 - $8,120
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Farmhand Station Hand Piggery Attendant
Nursery Hand Poultry Farm Worker Nurseryperson Beekeeper Apiarist Bore Runner Organic Farmer
+ 7 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Farmhand Station Hand Piggery Attendant Nursery Hand Poultry Farm Worker Nurseryperson Beekeeper Apiarist Bore Runner Organic Farmer + 7 more
AHCSS00075

Basic Beekeeping Skill Set
On Campus
12 months
$0 - $995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
AHCBEK313

Manage Pests and Disease within a Honey Bee Colony
Online
$410
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
AHCBEK402

Perform Queen Bee Artificial Insemination
On Campus
2 days
$1,285
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
AHCBEK409

Rear Queen Bees
On Campus
2 days
$850
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beekeeper
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Apiarist

An Apiarist manages beehives to produce honey and products, ensuring bee health, marketing, and handling physical tasks outdoors in varying weather.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does a Beekeeper earn?

In Australia, a full time Beekeeper generally earns $1,400 per week ($72,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Beekeeper?

The number of people working in this industry has increased in recent years. There are now 1,200 people working as a Beekeeper in Australia compared to 1,000 five years ago. Beekeepers may find work across all regions of Australia but are more likely to find job opportunities in rural and regional areas.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Beekeeper?

A Certificate III in Beekeeping is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Beekeeper. This course will explore topics such as establishing an apiary site, assembling and maintaining a beehive and managing a honey bee swarm. You’ll learn how to extract honey, use smokers and transport a beehive.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023)

5 Fun Career Paths that pay well

15th June 2021)

What can you do with a Diploma of Business?

3rd March 2021)

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