Farm Worker Pay Rate QLD 2026-27
Farm Workers in Queensland earn at least $26.44/hr (FLH2), $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.
Farm Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (QLD)
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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Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
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 |
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 |
Penalty Rates — Farm Worker
$39.66/hr
$52.88/hr
$52.88/hr
Classification Levels — Pastoral Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLH1 | Station hand with less than 6 months' industry experience | $25.74 | $32.18 | $50,862.24 |
| FLH2 | Station hand with 6 to 12 months' industry experience | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| FLH3 | Station hand with 12+ months' experience / dairy operator grade 1B | $26.49 | $33.11 | $52,344.24 |
| FLH4 | Feedlot employee level 2 (2 years' feedlot experience) | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
| FLH5 | Senior station hand / dairy operator grade 2 | $27.55 | $34.44 | $54,438.80 |
| FLH6 | Feedlot employee level 3 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $55,268.72 |
| FLH7 | Senior dairy operator grade 1 / feedlot employee level 4 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| FLH8 | Senior dairy operator grade 2 | $31.64 | $39.55 | $62,520.64 |
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 →More on the Pastoral Award
Pastoral Award (MA000035) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in agriculture
- Skretting (Cambridge Operations) Enterprise Agreement 2026
- TOOSEY ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2025 – 2029
- Bartter Enterprises Pty Ltd Hanwood Feedmill Enterprise Agreement 2026-2030
- ETS Vegetation Management – NSW Enterprise Agreement – 2026-2029
- Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd Collective Agreement 2026
- Application by Mimal Aboriginal Land Management Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a farm worker get paid per hour in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a farm worker in Queensland is $26.44/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.05/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the FLH2 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 2x ($52.88/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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