Farm Work Australia: Latest Guide to Jobs, Visas & Pay 2025

Written by

Inayat Sharma

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jun 17,2025

Farm Work Australia: A Complete Guide to Jobs, Visas & Pay - TerraTern

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International workers have long flocked to Australia due to the vast areas of the country and its strong agricultural sector. By 2025, farm work Australia will have become not only a source of getting extra money but also a multidimensional experience that combines an opportunity to make money, gaining Australia farm work visa benefits, cultural enrichment, and the adrenaline of living in the country. Whether it is a fruit orchard in Queensland or a dairy farm in Victoria, the need of entry level and skilled labor in the agriculture field is ever increasing and this provides an opening to the people who are on a look out, not only to have an adventure, but also an income and longer stay down under.

Aglobe highlighting Australia; Farm Work Australia - TerraTern

 

Latest Facts, News & Why It’s Trending in 2025

  • Competitive Pay using Promotion Opportunities: Farm work Australia is now earning an average of AUD60,000 annually as salaries. The entry-level jobs begin with just around AUD 55,000, whereas the workers who have more experience and work in the heavy machinery sector have a great income, even up to AUD 80,000 a year.

  • Huge Demand for Labour Due to Shortages: There is a constant lack of labour that the agricultural areas are facing after experiencing the slowdown during the pandemic. This level of shortage has created a torrent of employment opportunities to both foreign and national candidates.

  • Visa Incentives that make Workers Interested: The Working Holiday Visas (417 and 462) remain a favourite and can be extended to the applicants who have done 88 days of regional work. Additionally, skilled employees have an opportunity to receive sponsored visas such as TSS 482 and SESR 494, which have a chance of becoming permanent residents.

  • Varying Off-peak Season: Fruit picking is at its peak during the summer and early fall, and grain harvest during late spring and summer is giving year-round employment throughout different regions.

  • Subsidised or Free Perks: Nowadays, numerous farms provide free on-site stipends, meal provisions, and summation rewards, which is a huge cost benefit to foreign labourers.

  • Labour Laws Governing the Security of the Migrants: All the farm work Australia and farm workers in the new labour law are being provided with safe and ethical labour conditions to work in, and the workers are more than well paid on the minimum national wage.Regions in Demand: Top employment zones include Goulburn Valley (Victoria), Riverina (NSW), Lockyer Valley (Queensland) and Wheatbelt (Western Australia), with each having a different crop cycle and labour specialities.

  • Environmental Volatility Needs Adaptability: Uncertain natural disasters such as drought, bushfires, and floods may terminate the availability of jobs; thus, there is a need to be flexible and mobile to be employed at all times. 

Why Is It Worth Attention in 2025?

  • The farm work in Australia is in the limelight as there is a rise in labour needs, improvement in visa options, and new worker protection. It is also emerging as one of the most preferred destinations by backpackers as well as semi-skilled and skilled employees who find long-term prospects here.

What is Farm Work Australia? Experts Guide 2025

A man checking on his veggies in a farm; Farm Work Australia - TerraTern

Farming is a diversified work in Australia, based on the Australian farming scene. These are basically manual jobs in the rural and remote regions. Although physically intensive, they provide an uncommon life experience and an opportunity to be in touch with nature and global citizens.

Types of Common Jobs:

  • Fruit & Vegetable Picking: Employees collect such crops as apples, blueberries, cherries, oranges, tomatoes, grapevines, and avocados. This job usually needs promptness, stamina, and a desire to work under all weather conditions.

  • Animal Handling and Care: These include feeding, milking, herding, and handling cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. It suits a person who already has some experience in animal care or is interested in it.

  • Seeding and Cropping Work: This is the work of planting seeds, checking the well-being of crops, and gathering grains and legumes. Technical farming equipment usage and elementary knowledge of agronomy can be some of the requirements of these positions.

  • Machinery Operation: This requires mechanical skills, passing tests (depending on the country), and being safety conscious when operating the tractors and harvesters, in addition to irrigating the crops.

  • General Farm Hands: These employees have a wide range of duties and can be used in fence mending, irrigation line repair, barn painting, animal feeding, and helping out during harvests.

Latest Eligibility, Type, and Application of Farm Work Australia Visa

To join legal farm work Australia, it is necessary to get the right Australia farm work visa. In 2025, depending on your nationality, qualification, and objectives, you can come to Russia on several types of Australia farm work visa.

Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visas and 462 Working Holiday Visas

These kinds of visas have become the most common among the young people who are aged 18-35 years seeking to finance their travelling experience through temporary employment in Australia. After 88 days of designated regional work, applicants get the second-year visa, and a third one is possible upon six additional months of working.

Eligibility Overview:

  • Have to be a citizen of a qualifying nation (such as the UK, France, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Japan, etc.).

  • Prove financial ability (generally about AUD $5,000) but should pass health and character requirements.

  • Should not have dependent children.

Benefits:

  • Ability to practice and move around the country for months.

  • Opportunities for visa extension on the grounds of regional work.

  • Life and adventure, cultural exchange.

Also Read: Australia Agriculture Visa: Latest Complete Guide

Skilled and Sponsored Visas in Australia 2025

A compass near some flowers; Farm Work Australia - TerraTern

An option that interests workers who are seeking long-term, or career-oriented farm work Australia is sponsored visas.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS 482):

  • Duration: Up to 4 years.

  • Requires a job offer from an approved employer.

  • Must meet skill and English language criteria.

  • Offers a potential pathway to permanent residency.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (SESR 494):

  • Duration: Up to 5 years.

  • Requires sponsorship from a regional employer.

  • After 3 years, eligible for permanent residency.

  • The job must be on the Regional Occupation List.

Agriculture Visa under the PALM Scheme:

  • Designed for workers from Pacific nations and Timor-Leste.

  • Offers both seasonal and long-term employment options.

  • Employment is arranged under formal agreements between the Australian government and participating countries.

Visa Comparison Snapshot:

Here is a breakdown of visa comparison for farm work Australia:

Visa Type

Stay Duration

Who It's For

PR Pathway

Sponsored?

WHV (417/462)

1–3 years

Young backpackers (18–35)

No

No

TSS 482

Up to 4 years

Skilled workers with job offers

Yes

Yes

SESR 494

Up to 5 years

Regional skilled workers

Yes

Yes

PALM Scheme

Seasonal/Long-term

Workers from Pacific nations

No

Yes

Types of Farm Work Australia Jobs in 2025

The farm work Australia covers a huge area of working conditions and duties. The most common job types in 2025 are discussed in more detail:

  • Fruit Picking Jobs: It is basically seasonal work on apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, mangoes, and berries. Ideal for backpacker novices.

  • Vegetable picking: Capsicum, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, and carrots are some of the vegetables that workers engage in planting, upkeeping, and harvesting.

  • Dairy Farming: The responsibilities include milking cows, care of milking apparatus, shed cleaning, and feeding of cattle. Shifts may include early morning and late evening shifts.

  • Livestock Handling: This includes rounding up of livestock, tagging, feeding, shearing of sheep, and conducting checkups of animal health.

  • Cropping and Grain Harvesting: May involve experience of operating tractors and grain harvesters and generally entail processes such as sowing, spraying, and crop observation.

  • Farm Maintenance: This involves preparing an irrigation system, fencing, welding, and conducting general equipment repair.

Farm Work Australia Pay: Salary, Benefits and Savings Structure

Australian dollars in cash; Farm Work Australia - TerraTern

Australia has one of the competitive farm work Australia pay in the world. Wages depend on the type of job, season, area and level of skills. The majority of employees earn either hourly or piece, which means that the earning depends on one factor: productivity (kgs collected in an hour).

Average Wages by Role (2025):

Here is a breakdown of average farm work Australia pay :

Role

Hourly Rate (AUD)

Estimated Monthly Pay

Fruit Picker

$25 – $35

$4,000 – $5,500

Dairy Farm Worker

$26 – $38

$4,500 – $6,200

Livestock Handler

$28 – $40

$4,800 – $6,700

Tractor Operator

$30 – $45

$5,200 – $7,800

General Farm Hand

$24 – $35

$3,800 – $5,500

 

Other Income & Lifestyle Perks:

  • Free/Low-Cost Housing: Many farms offer accommodation on-site, saving workers between AUD 150–$250 per week.

  • Meal Plans or Shared Kitchens: Reduced grocery bills due to communal food arrangements or free farm meals.

  • End-of-Season Bonuses: Available on contracts of 3–6 months or longer.

  • Fuel and Transport Allowance: Some farms reimburse travel expenses or provide free transport to and from work.

Also Read: Unskilled Jobs in Australia for Indians: Latest Guide

How to Find Farm Work in Australia? Experts Real Strategies That Work

The big question is how to find farm work in Australia. The process of moving and job hunting in Australia necessitates the appropriate equipment and an aggressive strategy. These tested remedies will assist you in locating profitable and lawful, and well-paying jobs. Tips on how to find farm work in Australia :

  • Online Job Boards: listings of authentic farm jobs often exist at sites such as Harvest Trail, AgriLabour, and local classifieds.

  • Mobile Apps: Mobile applications such as WikiFarms allow one to see maps of farms where they can be hired, read reviews by workers and use the website to plan travel.

  • Hostels & Bulletin Boards: Hostels in the countryside often have ads offering jobs, and do job sharing.

  • Recruitment Agencies: Authorised agencies recruit workers for seasonal or permanent work on the farms.

  • Farm Visits: A large number of farms accept walk-ins and might find you a job on the spot, provided that you are available and ready to work.

Best Harvest Regions by Season:

Here is a breakdown of the best harvest seasons:

Region

Season

Notable Farm Jobs

Riverina, NSW

March – June

Citrus, dairy

Goulburn Valley, VIC

Jan – April

Apples, pears

Lockyer Valley, QLD

Sep – Dec

Lettuce, tomatoes

Wheatbelt, WA

Oct – Jan

Wheat, barley

 

Life on an Australian Farm: What to Expect Day to Day?

A man loading his trolley with a fresh produce; Farm Work Australia - TerraTern

Farm work Australia is hard work, yet the work has its own rhythm and lifestyle.

  • Living Conditions: Housing: Housing is typically collective and primitive, think cabins, bunkhouses, or trailers. Neat yet primitive.

  • Food & Meals: Employers give communal meals; others give a joint kitchen to allow employees to cater for themselves.

  • Hours of Work: You are likely to work 6 to 10 hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week, particularly during the peak seasons.

  • Social Vibes: Employees who hail from across the world tend to hold meals, music, and get together after a long working day.

  • Difficulties: The isolation, changing weather, and physical repetitive demands. However, the results are definitely worth it; money saved, friendship created, and days on the visa put.

Prerequisites & Hints of Success

In any job you get in the farming industry, it is important to get an idea of what it is that you are expected to do and how to survive in a farming job. Training and being able to pass the basic requirements and be smart and well prepared can make the process of working on a farm more enjoyable and safe, and possibly career-enhancing.

Basic Requirements for Farm Work Australia

Here is a breakdown of the basic requirements for farm work in Australia: 

  1. Valid Visa: You must hold a valid visa such as the Working Holiday (subclass 417/462), Agriculture Visa, or an employer-sponsored visa like TSS 482 or SESR 494. Visa conditions must allow work rights, especially in regional areas.

  2. Minimum Age: Most roles require you to be at least 18 years old. Age limits also apply for some visas (generally 18–30, or up to 35 for a few countries).

  3. Health & Fitness: Farm work Australia is physically demanding. You should be prepared for long hours outdoors, heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and variable weather.

  4. Documentation: Carry your visa grant letter, identification, bank account details, tax file number (TFN), and superannuation account info for legal and payroll purposes.

  5. Driver’s License: Not mandatory, but having an international or Australian license increases your chances for machinery or transport-related roles.

Tips for Success for Farm Jobs Australia

Here are some tips for success:

  1. Stay Flexible: Job availability changes with seasons and weather. Be open to relocating between regions.

  2. Work Ethic Matters: Punctuality, reliability, and resilience are highly valued by Australian farm employers.

  3. Understand Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with Fair Work Australia guidelines to ensure fair pay and treatment.

  4. Network: Use job boards, Facebook groups, and apps like WikiFarms to find reliable employers and opportunities.

 

Conclusion

Farm work Australia offers more than just a paycheck—it’s a gateway to cultural enrichment, long-term visa benefits, and personal growth. Whether you’re chasing a working holiday adventure or building a career in agriculture, the doors are wide open in 2025. With competitive wages, support systems, and unforgettable experiences waiting across the countryside, now is the perfect time to pack your bags and step into Australia’s farming frontier with help of TerraTern now!

Get all the details on Australia PR with this visa checklist

AI Summary

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age for farm work in Australia?

The minimum age for most farm jobs in Australia is 18 years old. This age requirement aligns with visa eligibility rules, such as the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462), which is only available to applicants aged 18 to 30 or 35 (depending on their country of origin). Farms also require adults due to the physical nature of the work and safety standards around operating machinery or handling livestock.

Can farm work in Australia lead to permanent residency?

Yes, certain types of farm work can be a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. While casual fruit picking or general labor under a Working Holiday Visa does not directly lead to PR, skilled farm roles under employer-sponsored visas like the TSS 482 or SESR 494 do offer routes to permanent residency. These visas require sponsorship, relevant qualifications, and ongoing employment in regional areas.

Is prior experience required for farm jobs in Australia?

Not always. Many farm jobs, such as fruit picking or general farm hand positions, are entry-level and require no prior experience. However, roles involving machinery operation, animal husbandry, or farm management may require specific skills, licenses, or previous training. Being physically fit, motivated, and adaptable often matters more than having formal experience.

What are the best months for fruit picking in Australia?

Fruit picking is highly seasonal and varies by region and crop. Generally, the peak months are from November to April, which includes the Australian summer and early autumn. For example, citrus fruits are harvested in winter, berries in summer, and apples in late summer to autumn. Workers are encouraged to follow the Harvest Trail Map to track job availability across seasons and states.

How do I verify if a farm job is eligible for a visa extension?

To qualify for a visa extension under the Working Holiday program, your farm job must meet the criteria for “specified work” in a designated regional area. This includes particular industries like horticulture, fishing, and livestock. To verify eligibility, check the Australian Government’s official list of eligible postcodes and job types. It’s also important to ask the employer upfront and maintain accurate records of work dates, hours, and duties performed.