Agricultural Engineering plays a crucial role in Ghana’s development. From designing irrigation systems and mechanizing farming operations to improving post-harvest technologies, Agricultural Engineers ensure that the agricultural sector—one of Ghana’s economic backbones—keeps moving forward. But while the profession is critical, many aspiring professionals and current workers want to understand one important detail: how much do Agricultural Engineers earn in Ghana, and what allowances can they expect?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the salary and allowance structure of Agricultural Engineers in Ghana, focusing on national trends, regional variations, public and private sector differences, and the benefits that come with the profession. We’ll also highlight challenges, disparities, and career tips for professionals aiming to maximize their earnings.

The Salary Landscape for Agricultural Engineers in Ghana

National Level Overview

As of 2025, Agricultural Engineers in Ghana earn an average annual salary of about GHS 53,840. Salaries, however, range widely depending on experience and qualifications. Entry-level professionals may earn around GHS 28,820 annually, while highly experienced experts can command salaries above GHS 73,000 per year.

Here’s a breakdown by years of experience:

• 0–2 years: ~ GHS 28,820 annually

• 2–5 years: ~ GHS 35,420 annually

• 5–10 years: ~ GHS 53,660 annually

• 10–15 years: ~ GHS 63,400 annually

• 15–20 years: ~ GHS 68,900 annually

• 20+ years: ~ GHS 73,020 annually

This progression shows that experience is highly rewarded, with salaries more than doubling between the early-career stage and advanced senior levels.

Education also plays a major role. Agricultural Engineers with only a Bachelor’s degree typically earn about GHS 35,420 annually, while those with a Master’s degree can expect close to GHS 68,900—almost double.

There is also a noticeable gender pay gap in the profession. Male Agricultural Engineers earn about GHS 52,380, while female counterparts average GHS 47,580, a difference of roughly 10%. While this gap is smaller than in some other fields, it highlights ongoing inequality in earnings across genders.

Accra-Specific Snapshot

Salaries vary across regions in Ghana, with Accra, the capital and economic hub, offering higher pay.

In Accra, the median annual salary for Agricultural Engineers is around GHS 50,540. This figure climbs significantly with experience:

• 0–2 years: ~ GHS 31,340 annually

• 2–5 years: ~ GHS 40,640 annually

• 5–10 years: ~ GHS 54,280 annually

• 10–15 years: ~ GHS 65,080 annually

• 15–20 years: ~ GHS 71,660 annually

• 20+ years: ~ GHS 78,420 annually

Educational qualifications also create a divide. In Accra, Agricultural Engineers with a Bachelor’s degree earn about GHS 46,400 annually, while those with a Master’s degree can command nearly GHS 69,720.

Alternate Salary Estimates

Some platforms suggest slightly different figures for Agricultural Engineers. Monthly salaries are often quoted at around GHS 4,170, translating to GHS 50,040 annually, which aligns closely with the national median.

Other sources place entry-level salaries between GHS 1,000 and GHS 2,500 per month (GHS 12,000–30,000 annually). This lower range often reflects positions in small agribusinesses or informal sector roles, where salary scales are less standardized.

Allowances and the Public Sector Pay Framework

A large number of Agricultural Engineers in Ghana work within the public sector, under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), which is managed by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. This framework standardizes base pay and allowances across government institutions, including those employing Agricultural Engineers.

Recent Adjustments

In January 2025, the base pay under SSSS was increased by 10% following negotiations between government and organized labor. This adjustment raised salaries across the board for Agricultural Engineers employed in public service.

Allowance Categories

Under the SSSS, allowances are divided into categories that Agricultural Engineers may qualify for depending on their duties and posting.

Category 2 & 3 allowances include:

• Acting Allowance: Paid when an employee assumes a higher role; typically the salary difference or 20% of basic pay, whichever is higher.

• Additional Duty Allowance: Around 10% of basic salary.

• Overtime: 1.5 times pay for regular days, 2 times for weekends or holidays.

• Tools Allowance: About GHS 7 per working day.

• Height/Depth Allowance: Ranges from GHS 2.80 to GHS 5.60 per day, depending on depth or elevation.

• Temporary Posting: Includes hotel accommodation for up to 3 months and 20% of monthly salary.

• Travel Allowance: For official assignments requiring mobility.

Category 4 allowances apply to higher-level staff and may include:

• Staff Housing Allowance

• Clothing Allowance

• Utilities Allowance

• Entertainment Allowance

• Fuel Allowance

University Senior Staff Benchmark

Though not Agricultural Engineers, the allowance structure for senior staff in Ghana’s public universities provides useful benchmarks. These include:

• Kilometric allowance: GHS 3.50/km (car), GHS 1.40/km (motorcycle)

• Housing allowance: 20–25% of basic salary

• Tools allowance: GHS 7 per working day

• Utility allowance: GHS 400 per month

• Sanitation allowance: GHS 300 per month

• Security allowance: GHS 400 per month

• Daily subsistence for trips: GHS 145 per day

Agricultural Engineers at senior levels in public service often enjoy similar types of allowances, especially under the structured SSSS system.

Inequality in Allowances

A study on allowances in Ghana’s public sector found that higher-paid workers receive disproportionately larger allowances. For instance, workers earning GHS 5,000–9,999 as basic salary receive allowances more than 26 times higher than those earning under GHS 1,000. This means Agricultural Engineers in higher grades benefit more substantially from allowance structures, widening the income gap.

Composite View: Compensation Structure for Agricultural Engineers

Private Sector vs Public Sector

The total compensation for Agricultural Engineers in Ghana differs between the private and public sectors.

Private sector (agribusiness, NGOs, consultancy):

• Salaries vary significantly, from GHS 1,000–2,500 per month in small companies to GHS 30,000+ annually in larger organizations.

• Allowances are less standardized and depend on employer policies.

Public sector (government roles):

• Salaries are based on SSSS grading and years of service.

• Recent 10% base pay increase has improved earnings.

• Structured allowances (duty, tools, travel, housing, utilities) can significantly boost take-home pay.

Example: Mid-Level Public Agricultural Engineer

Consider a mid-career Agricultural Engineer working in government service:

• Base salary: GHS 5,000/month

• After 10% adjustment: GHS 5,500/month

Allowances:

• Additional duty: ~ GHS 550

• Tools allowance: ~ GHS 140 per month

• Travel and overtime: ~ GHS 500–1,000

• Housing/Utility: ~ GHS 1,100

• Daily subsistence (if traveling): ~ GHS 145 per day

• Hardship/risk allowance (rural postings): variable

Estimated total monthly take-home: Between GHS 7,000 and GHS 8,000.

By comparison, a private-sector Agricultural Engineer at a similar level may earn GHS 4,000–8,000 monthly, but without the robust allowances enjoyed in the public sector.

Education and Career Mobility

Agricultural Engineers with a Master’s degree nearly double their salaries compared to Bachelor’s degree holders, making higher education a worthwhile investment.

Experience also counts. Salaries rise steadily after the 10-year mark, and career moves into consultancy, NGOs, or international organizations can further increase earnings.

Challenges, Disparities, and Broader Context

Rural vs Urban Divide

Agricultural Engineers in cities like Accra and Kumasi enjoy higher base salaries, while those in rural areas often receive hardship allowances. The cost of living is lower in rural areas, but limited infrastructure can offset these benefits.

Delayed Payments

One common issue faced by government-employed Agricultural Engineers is delayed salary payments. While allowances help boost income, inconsistencies in payment schedules affect financial planning and stability.

Inequality in Allowance Distribution

Allowance distribution is uneven. Those with higher basic salaries enjoy much larger allowance packages, which increases wage inequality within the same profession. Entry-level Agricultural Engineers therefore face slower financial growth compared to those at senior levels.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary

The salary and allowance structure for Agricultural Engineers in Ghana offers both opportunities and challenges.

• Median annual salary is around GHS 53,840.

• Salaries are influenced by experience, education, and location.

• The public sector provides structured allowances under the SSSS, with benefits like duty, tools, housing, and utilities.

• The private sector offers flexibility but less consistency in allowances.

• Gender pay disparities and uneven allowance distribution remain key concerns.

Recommendations for Agricultural Engineers

1. Understand SSSS placement: Know your role classification to maximize allowances in the public sector.

2. Negotiate postings strategically: Urban postings may pay higher salaries, but rural postings often provide more allowances.

3. Invest in education: A Master’s degree can almost double earnings.

4. Track allowance payments: Stay alert to delays and ensure you receive entitled benefits.

5. Advocate for fair pay structures: Push for reduced disparities in allowance distribution.

Final Thoughts

Agricultural Engineers are vital to Ghana’s food security and economic growth. While salaries in the field are competitive compared to other engineering disciplines, the real financial advantage often comes from allowances, especially in the public sector. By pursuing higher education, making strategic career decisions, and maximizing allowance benefits, Agricultural Engineers in Ghana can secure both financial stability and career growth in the years ahead.