16 Year Old Farm Worker Pay Rate 2026-27
$15.44/hr permanent, $19.30/hr casual — the Pastoral Award junior rate for a 16 year old farm worker, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
A 16 year old farm worker earns $15.44/hr minimum ($19.30/hr casual)
60% of the adult Farm and Livestock Hand Level 1 (FLH1) rate of $25.74/hr under the Pastoral Award 2020 (MA000035), from 1 July 2026.
Award & classification
Pastoral Award 2020
MA000035
Farm and Livestock Hand Level 1 (FLH1)
60% of the adult rate
Farm Worker pay rates by age — Pastoral Award
| Age | % of adult | Hourly rate | Casual rate | Per week (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 50% | $12.87 | $16.09 | $489.05 |
| 16(you) | 60% | $15.44 | $19.30 | $586.86 |
| 17 | 70% | $18.02 | $22.53 | $684.67 |
| 18 | 80% | $20.59 | $25.74 | $782.48 |
| 19 | 90% | $23.17 | $28.96 | $880.29 |
| 20+ (adult rate) | 100% | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.10 |
- Pastoral juniors are paid the full adult rate from 20.
Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026; read 2026-09-03. Where an award publishes junior rates weekly, hourly = weekly ÷ 38. Casual = hourly × 1.25 (25% casual loading). Higher classification levels use the same percentages on a higher adult rate.
Penalty rates at age 16
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $15.44 |
| Saturday | 1.5x | $23.16 |
| Sunday | 2x | $30.88 |
| Public holiday | 2x | $30.88 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.15x | $17.76 |
When I turn 17
When you turn 17, your minimum farm worker rate increases to $18.02/hr — that's a +$2.58/hr increase.
Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday. If they fail to do so, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Weekly earnings examples
| Hours/week | Base pay | Casual pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $154.40 | $193.00 |
| 15 hours | $231.60 | $289.50 |
| 20 hours | $308.80 | $386.00 |
| 25 hours | $386.00 | $482.50 |
| 30 hours | $463.20 | $579.00 |
| 38 hours | $586.72 | $733.40 |
Related resources
Farm Worker rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 16 year old farm worker get paid?
A 16 year old farm worker should earn at least $15.44/hr ($19.30/hr casual). That is 60% of the adult Farm and Livestock Hand Level 1 (FLH1) rate of $25.74/hr under the Pastoral Award 2020, from 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate for a 16 year old farm worker?
The casual rate for a 16 year old farm worker is $19.30/hr — the junior base rate of $15.44/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will a 16 year old farm worker's pay go up?
When you turn 17, your minimum rate rises to $18.02/hr — a $2.58/hr increase. Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday.
Do 16 year old farm workers get penalty rates?
Yes. 16 year old farm workers receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $23.16/hr (1.5x). Sundays: $30.88/hr (2x). Public holidays: $30.88/hr (2x).
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.