Farm hand roles in Australia offer a competitive salary of AUD 45,000 – 60,000 per year, depending on experience and the type of farm. Whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience, these roles often provide on-the-job training to help you grow. This is physical, outdoor work, perfect for those who love fresh air, nature, and staying active. Full-time and seasonal opportunities are available, giving you flexibility while immersing yourself in the rural lifestyle.
Job Overview:
Farm hand roles in Australia offer an excellent opportunity for foreigners to gain hands-on experience in agriculture while earning a competitive salary. These positions typically involve working on farms to care for crops, livestock, and machinery, often with seasonal variations in duties. Many Australian farms also provide visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants.
Work Visa Requirements:
To work legally in Australia as a farmhand, foreign applicants must obtain the correct work visa:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482: Most farms sponsor eligible applicants under this visa.
- Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and meet visa-specific requirements.
- English Proficiency: Basic English skills are recommended to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
Job Requirements:
- Physical Fitness: Farm work can be physically demanding, so being fit and maintaining good hygiene is essential.
- Experience: Entry-level roles often provide on-the-job training. Prior experience with farming equipment or livestock is a plus.
- Skills: Ability to operate machinery, handle crops or animals, and maintain farm infrastructure.
Benefits:
- Visa Sponsorship: Many farms sponsor international workers, enabling legal work and residence in Australia.
- Competitive Salary: Farm hands earn between AUD 45,000 – 60,000 annually, with overtime and seasonal bonuses in some cases.
- Skill Development: Learn practical skills such as machinery operation, crop management, and livestock care.
- Cultural Exchange: Work alongside Australians and international colleagues, gaining multicultural experience.
- Rural Lifestyle: Enjoy the tranquility and scenic beauty of the Australian countryside. Some farms may provide accommodation.
Typical Duties:
Farm hands perform a variety of tasks depending on the type of farm:
- Crop Maintenance: Planting, irrigating, weeding, and harvesting crops.
- Livestock Care: Feeding, grooming, and monitoring animals for health and safety.
- Machinery Operation: Using tractors, plows, harvesters, and other farm equipment safely.
- Irrigation Management: Installing and maintaining irrigation systems for efficient water use.
- Fence & Infrastructure Maintenance: Repairing fences, barns, and other essential farm structures.
Types of Farm Hand Jobs:
- General Farm Worker: Planting, harvesting, feeding animals, and maintaining equipment.
- Fruit Picker: Harvest seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and berries.
- Irrigation Technician: Manage water delivery systems for crops.
- Farm Machinery Operator: Operate and maintain tractors, harvesters, and plows.
- Greenhouse Worker: Care for plants in controlled environments for optimal growth.
Salary Overview:
Farm hand salaries in Australia vary based on experience, region, and farm type:
- Average: AUD 45,000 – 60,000 per year
- Additional Benefits: Overtime pay, seasonal bonuses, and sometimes accommodation.
Check Also: Farm Assistant Manager Jobs in Australia Visa Sponsorship
Where to Find Sponsored Farm Jobs:
SEEK Agriculture Visa Sponsorship Jobs:
Job boards like SEEK list hundreds of agriculture visa sponsorship jobs every month. Employers post vacancies for fruit pickers, farm hands, machinery operators, and livestock workers, making SEEK a reliable starting point for job seekers.
Indeed Farm Visa Sponsorship Listings:
Another popular platform is Indeed, where you’ll find curated farm visa sponsorship listings from across Australia. The site allows you to filter by region, visa type, and contract length, making the search process easier.
Leading Employers Offering Sponsorship:
- Costa Group Farm Jobs Australia – one of the largest horticultural companies, hiring fruit pickers and packers with sponsorship opportunities.
- Rivalea Visa Sponsorship Jobs – a well-known employer in the livestock sector, frequently hiring workers for piggery and livestock management roles.
Visa Pathways for Farm Workers:
Subclass 482 TSS Visa Farm Work:
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa allows employers to sponsor workers in sectors facing shortages. Agriculture roles, including machinery operators and livestock workers, are often eligible.
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa:
The Subclass 494 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for those willing to work in regional Australia. Many farm jobs qualify, making it a popular choice for skilled agricultural workers.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Agriculture Jobs:
Agriculture is recognized as a sector with ongoing labor shortages. Through the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, overseas workers can fill vital farm jobs while securing stable employment.
Working Holiday Visa Regional Farm Work:
Backpackers and young travelers often join farms under the Working Holiday Visa (417/462). Completing regional farm work is also a requirement to extend their stay, making it a popular entry point into the industry.
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Agriculture:
The PALM scheme connects Pacific Island workers with Australian employers in agriculture. This program provides legal protections, steady wages, and the chance to gain valuable farming experience in Australia.
How to Apply?
- Research farms offering sponsorships and check eligibility requirements.
- Prepare a CV highlighting physical fitness, any prior experience, and willingness to learn.
- Apply through verified job portals or farm websites.
- Prepare for interviews or phone screenings, emphasizing reliability, teamwork, and adaptability.
Tips for Success:
- Learn basic English to communicate effectively.
- Be flexible and willing to work long hours during peak seasons.
- Show enthusiasm for rural life and farming work—it makes a strong impression on employers.
Conclusion
Farm work in Australia with visa sponsorship offers more than just a paycheck—it provides stability, career growth, and pathways to permanent residency. Whether you’re interested in fruit picking, machinery operation, livestock care, or general farm hand roles, there are opportunities across regional Australia. With programs like the Subclass 482 visa, Subclass 494 visa, and the PALM scheme, international workers have multiple ways to secure employment and build a future in one of the world’s most dynamic agricultural industries.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the average salary for a farm hand in Australia?
Farm hands typically earn AUD 45,000 – 60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and farm type. Additional earnings may come from overtime, seasonal bonuses, or sometimes accommodation.
Do I need prior experience to work as a farm hand?
Not always. Many farms offer entry-level positions with on-the-job training. However, experience with farming equipment, livestock, or crops can be an advantage.
What kind of visa do foreigners need to work on Australian farms?
The most common is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482, which many farms sponsor. Applicants must be at least 18 and meet visa requirements. Basic English is also recommended.
