Farm Worker Pay Rate ACT 2026-27
Farm Workers in Australian Capital Territory earn at least $26.44/hr (Level 1), $33.05/hr casual — about $1,005 a week full-time — under the Pastoral Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Farm Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (ACT)
Pastoral Award 2020 (MA000035)
$26.44
Base rate/hr
$33.05
Casual rate/hr
Farm workers perform duties on pastoral and agricultural properties including animal husbandry, fencing, operating farm machinery, and general farm maintenance.
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Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Farm Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $26.44/hr | $1,004.72 | $52,245.44 |
| Part-time (adult) | $26.44/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $33.05/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Pastoral Award 2020.
Junior Rates by Age — Farm Worker
Junior rates: Under 16: 50%. 16 years: 60%. 17 years: 70%. 18 years: 80%. 19 years: 90%. 20 years: 100% of the adult rate.
| Age | % of adult | Hourly | Casual/hr | Weekly (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 50% | $12.87/hr | $16.09/hr | $489.05 |
| 16 | 60% | $15.44/hr | $19.30/hr | $586.86 |
| 17 | 70% | $18.02/hr | $22.53/hr | $684.67 |
| 18 | 80% | $20.59/hr | $25.74/hr | $782.48 |
| 19 | 90% | $23.17/hr | $28.96/hr | $880.29 |
| 20+ (adult) | 100% | $25.74/hr | $32.18/hr | $978.10 |
Farm and Livestock Hand Level 1 (FLH1). Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026. Casual = hourly × 1.25. Pastoral juniors are paid the full adult rate from 20.
Penalty Rates — Farm Worker
Saturday
$39.66/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$52.88/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$66.10/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($26.44/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Pastoral Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Farm hand (entry) | $25.74 | $32.18 | $50,862.24 |
| Level 2 | Experienced farm worker | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| Level 3 | Trade qualified (stockperson) | $26.49 | $33.11 | $52,344.24 |
| Level 4 | Farm supervisor / head stockperson | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Farm Worker?
Farm workers, particularly seasonal and harvest workers, are at high risk of underpayment. Piece-rate pay must still average at least the minimum hourly rate over the pay period.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a farm worker get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a farm worker in Australian Capital Territory is $26.44/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.05/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Pastoral Award 2020 (MA000035), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a farm worker?
The minimum wage for a farm worker is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.72 per week for a 38-hour week, or $52,245.44 per year). This is set by the Pastoral Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers farm workers?
Farm Workers are covered by the Pastoral Award 2020 (MA000035). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do farm workers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Pastoral Award 2020, farm workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($39.66/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($52.88/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($66.10/hr).
What is the casual rate for a farm worker?
The casual rate for a farm worker is $33.05/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $26.44/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old farm worker get paid?
A 17 year old farm worker gets at least $18.02/hr (70% of the adult Farm and Livestock Hand Level 1 (FLH1) rate), or $22.53/hr casual, under the Pastoral Award 2020 from 1 July 2026. Junior rates: Under 16: 50%. 16 years: 60%. 17 years: 70%. 18 years: 80%. 19 years: 90%. 20 years: 100% of the adult rate.
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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.
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