Minimum pay rates for farm workers in New South Wales under the Pastoral Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Pastoral Award 2020 (MA000035)
$24.73
Base rate/hr
$30.91
Casual rate/hr
Farm workers perform duties on pastoral and agricultural properties including animal husbandry, fencing, operating farm machinery, and general farm maintenance.
New South Wales Note
New South Wales has the highest number of Fair Work claims. Employers must display a Fair Work Information Statement.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | $939.74 | $48,866.48 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.91/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Pastoral Award 2020.
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 | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $9.89/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $12.37/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $14.84/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $17.31/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $19.78/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $22.26/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $24.73/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the Pastoral Award 2020 for precise rates.
Saturday
$37.10/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$49.46/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$61.83/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.73/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Farm hand (entry) | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Experienced farm worker | $24.73 | $30.91 | $48,866.48 |
| Level 3 | Trade qualified (stockperson) | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 4 | Farm supervisor / head stockperson | $27.14 | $33.93 | $53,628.64 |
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 →The minimum hourly rate for a farm worker in New South Wales is $24.73/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.91/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Pastoral Award 2020 (MA000035), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a farm worker is $24.73 per hour ($939.74 per week for a 38-hour week, or $48,866.48 per year). This is set by the Pastoral Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
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.
Yes. Under the Pastoral Award 2020, farm workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($37.10/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($49.46/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($61.83/hr).
The casual rate for a farm worker is $30.91/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.73/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
Junior rates: Under 16: 50%. 16 years: 60%. 17 years: 70%. 18 years: 80%. 19 years: 90%. 20 years: 100% of the adult rate. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the Pastoral Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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