Unskilled Agricultural Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Australia has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading destinations for agricultural opportunities, particularly for foreign workers seeking jobs with visa sponsorship.

In 2025, unskilled agricultural jobs in Australia are projected to remain in high demand due to labor shortages across farms, orchards, and regional food production centers.

Employers are consistently looking for workers who can assist with tasks such as fruit picking, harvesting, packing, and general farm maintenance.

With attractive daily and monthly wages, along with the option of visa sponsorship, these jobs are increasingly appealing to foreigners from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

The Australian government has introduced several visa pathways for unskilled agricultural workers, making it easier for employers to hire international staff to fill critical labor gaps.

For those seeking a steady income, agricultural roles in Australia can pay between AUD $21 to $30 per hour, with overtime opportunities pushing total earnings above AUD $1,200 per week. In rural regions, seasonal workers may earn AUD $4,000 to $5,000 per month, depending on the type of crops and workload.

This guide explores everything you need to know about unskilled agricultural jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2025, including entry-level requirements, salary expectations, regions offering the highest pay, and practical steps to secure employment.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

Unlike skilled professions that demand extensive qualifications, unskilled agricultural jobs in Australia generally require minimal prior experience.

Employers are primarily focused on reliability, physical stamina, and willingness to work in outdoor conditions. However, certain basic skills and attributes significantly increase employability.

Most unskilled agricultural workers in Australia engage in fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, pruning, farm cleaning, packing, and loading produce.

While no formal degree is required, employers often prefer candidates who can demonstrate punctuality, teamwork, and adaptability. Basic English language skills are beneficial for workplace communication, though not always mandatory.

Physically, workers should be prepared for long hours, sometimes ranging from 8 to 10 hours per day, depending on harvest schedules.

For instance, fruit pickers in Queensland’s banana farms may earn AUD $25 per hour, while vegetable harvesters in Victoria earn closer to AUD $23 per hour. Efficiency often translates directly to higher wages, as many employers offer pay-per-basket or pay-per-crate incentives.

For individuals seeking long-term opportunities, familiarity with farm machinery, forklift handling, or irrigation systems can lead to semi-skilled roles with higher wages.

Seasonal agricultural jobs may start at AUD $800 per week, while full-time farmhands can earn up to AUD $60,000 per year with added allowances for accommodation and meals.

Experience is not always necessary, but having a previous agricultural or manual labor background helps workers secure jobs faster. Many first-time foreign workers arrive under programs like the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP), where training is provided upon arrival.

This ensures that even unskilled workers can adapt quickly and begin earning competitive wages in the Australian agricultural industry.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Agricultural wages in Australia vary widely depending on the region, crop demand, and the cost of living. Some states consistently offer higher pay due to labor shortages and the scale of farming activities. For 2025, the following regions are among the top-paying for unskilled agricultural workers.

Queensland

Queensland is known for its vast banana plantations, sugarcane fields, and tropical fruit orchards. Workers in this region often earn AUD $24 to $28 per hour, particularly during peak harvesting seasons.

A full-time fruit picker in Queensland can make AUD $1,100 to $1,300 weekly, with opportunities for overtime pushing monthly earnings beyond AUD $4,500.

Victoria

Victoria’s agricultural hub is centered around vegetables, grapes, and dairy. Workers in packing sheds and vineyards typically earn AUD $22 to $26 per hour. Seasonal grape harvesters may bring in AUD $4,000 to $4,800 per month, especially during the wine production peak in March and April.

New South Wales

New South Wales (NSW) is one of Australia’s most productive farming states. Cotton picking, fruit orchards, and large-scale vegetable farms provide jobs for thousands of workers annually.

Unskilled laborers in NSW earn an average of AUD $23 per hour, equating to AUD $900 to $1,000 weekly. Long-term farmhands may receive salaries above AUD $55,000 annually, including accommodation on-site.

Western Australia

Western Australia (WA) is another attractive destination for foreign agricultural workers due to high wages and vast farmland. Unskilled workers here may earn AUD $26 to $30 per hour, especially in remote farming towns where labor demand exceeds supply.

A three-month harvest contract can yield earnings of AUD $14,000 to $16,000, making WA one of the most lucrative regions for short-term agricultural employment.

Overall, wage differences reflect both labor demand and the remote nature of farming regions. Workers in isolated areas are often compensated with higher pay and additional benefits such as subsidized housing, free transport, and meal allowances.

Salary Expectations for Unskilled Agricultural Workers in Australia

One of the most attractive aspects of agricultural work in Australia is the competitive salary structure, even for unskilled positions. The Australian minimum wage in 2025 is set at AUD $23.23 per hour, and agricultural employers are legally required to meet or exceed this rate.

For unskilled farmhands and fruit pickers, salaries generally range between AUD $21 and $30 per hour, depending on the region and type of work.

A typical 40-hour workweek translates into AUD $850 to $1,200, with overtime opportunities available during peak harvest seasons. For workers open to extended shifts or weekend work, weekly wages can surpass AUD $1,400.

Seasonal workers employed under visa sponsorship programs often earn between AUD $3,500 and $5,000 per month, depending on crop type and location. For instance, citrus fruit pickers in South Australia may earn around AUD $900 per week, while workers on berry farms in Tasmania can make AUD $1,100 weekly.

In addition to base wages, many agricultural employers in Australia provide extra benefits such as accommodation, transportation to job sites, and occasional meal subsidies. These allowances can reduce living costs by up to AUD $300 per week, effectively increasing take-home pay.

For workers seeking long-term contracts, unskilled agricultural roles can transition into permanent employment, with annual salaries reaching AUD $55,000 to $65,000.

Workers who gain additional training or certifications in farm machinery operation may see annual earnings rise above AUD $70,000, even without a university degree.

Salary growth is also influenced by crop type. Grape harvesters and cotton pickers often earn more than vegetable harvesters due to higher market demand and labor intensity.

This makes agricultural employment one of the most rewarding unskilled job options in Australia for foreign workers seeking visa sponsorship and stable income.

Visa Types and Options for Unskilled Agricultural Workers in Australia

Australia’s agricultural industry relies heavily on international labor, and the government provides several visa pathways to support this workforce.

Unskilled agricultural workers seeking opportunities in 2025 will find multiple visa types tailored to seasonal employment, short-term contracts, and long-term agricultural careers. Each visa has its own conditions, benefits, and eligibility requirements.

Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) Visa

The Seasonal Worker Program visa is one of the most common options for foreign laborers. It allows unskilled workers from participating countries to work in Australia’s agriculture sector for up to 9 months in a 12-month period.

Employers sponsor the worker and usually provide accommodation and welfare support. Workers under SWP can earn between AUD $21 and $28 per hour, which often results in monthly earnings exceeding AUD $4,000 during harvest seasons.

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme

The PALM scheme visa was introduced to bring workers from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste to fill labor shortages in agriculture. It covers both short-term (up to 9 months) and long-term placements (up to 4 years).

Workers under this scheme receive the Australian minimum wage or higher, which means annual salaries for long-term placements can reach AUD $55,000 to $65,000, making it one of the most financially rewarding options.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)

The Working Holiday Maker visa is popular among young travelers aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries). It allows individuals to work in regional Australia while traveling.

Agricultural jobs are the most common under this visa. Workers earn around AUD $23 to $28 per hour, depending on the region, and can extend their visa for a second or third year by completing specified agricultural work.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

While typically reserved for skilled workers, the Temporary Skill Shortage visa has provisions for agricultural roles in critical shortage areas. Employers must prove labor shortages before hiring foreign workers. For unskilled farmhands under this pathway, salaries start around AUD $50,000 annually, often including accommodation subsidies.

Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

Some farms in regional Australia sponsor workers for long-term visas under the Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa. While primarily designed for skilled positions, some unskilled roles are included due to workforce shortages.

Workers under this visa may transition to permanent residency after a few years of employment, earning steady annual salaries of AUD $55,000+.

Overall, foreign agricultural workers in 2025 have multiple visa options, with the SWP and PALM schemes being the most common for unskilled roles. These programs provide legal entry, fair wages, and pathways to long-term employment in Australia’s booming agricultural sector.

How to Secure Unskilled Agricultural Jobs in Australia

Finding and securing unskilled agricultural jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship requires proper planning, knowledge of hiring cycles, and connection with certified employers. The process is competitive but achievable for those who understand how recruitment in this sector works.

Apply Through Government-Approved Programs

The Australian government’s SWP and PALM programs are the most reliable ways to secure visa-sponsored agricultural jobs. Applicants from participating countries must apply through approved agencies, which then connect them with Australian employers. Workers should prepare valid passports, health clearances, and proof of availability for the duration of the contract.

Direct Application to Farms and Companies

Many large farms and agribusinesses directly hire foreign workers. Candidates can apply through company websites or via email with resumes highlighting physical stamina and availability for manual labor. Employers often prefer candidates who are open to working overtime and living in rural areas.

Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Agriculture

Several recruitment firms partner with Australian farms to supply workers. Agencies handle visa processing, flight arrangements, and initial orientation. Workers are then assigned to farms based on demand. Recruitment agencies typically place candidates in jobs paying between AUD $22 and $28 per hour, with accommodation included.

Seasonal Timing and Job Demand

Agricultural work in Australia is seasonal. Peak hiring times occur during harvest months such as December to April for fruits like grapes and berries, and June to October for crops like vegetables and cotton. Applying in advance of these seasons increases chances of securing employment.

Key Tips for Success

• Highlight physical fitness and previous manual labor experience in applications.
• Be flexible with job type and location. Remote areas often pay more.
• Be prepared to start with short-term contracts, which can lead to longer opportunities.
• Stay updated on job postings from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and approved recruitment agencies.

Workers who follow these strategies often transition from seasonal contracts to permanent agricultural roles, ensuring stable income and potential pathways to Australian residency.

Companies Hiring Unskilled Agricultural Workers in Australia

Several Australian companies consistently hire unskilled agricultural workers with visa sponsorship. These companies partner with the government to bring in foreign workers, especially during peak seasons when domestic labor is insufficient.

Costa Group

Costa Group is Australia’s largest horticultural company, employing thousands of seasonal and permanent workers annually. The company specializes in berries, mushrooms, citrus, and avocado production.

Unskilled workers earn between AUD $22 and $27 per hour, with opportunities for pay-per-basket incentives. Costa sponsors international workers under the PALM scheme, offering both short-term and long-term contracts.

Harvest Trail Services

The Harvest Trail network, supported by the Australian government, connects job seekers to farms in need of laborers across the country. Workers can apply for jobs in fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and packing. Wages average AUD $23 per hour, with accommodation often arranged by the farms.

MADEC Australia

MADEC is a not-for-profit organization that provides labor hire services for agricultural employers. It is one of the largest operators of the Seasonal Worker Program. Workers placed through MADEC can earn AUD $900 to $1,200 per week, with structured welfare support provided during employment.

Perfection Fresh

One of Australia’s leading fresh produce companies, Perfection Fresh, hires workers for greenhouse operations, farm maintenance, and packaging. Salaries range from AUD $45,000 to $60,000 annually for full-time farmhands. The company also offers visa sponsorship opportunities for international workers.

Regional Farms and Orchards

Smaller farms in regions like Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania frequently sponsor workers during peak harvests. These farms may pay AUD $25 to $30 per hour, especially in remote areas. Workers often benefit from free on-site housing, which reduces living costs significantly.

In 2025, these companies and farm networks remain reliable sources of employment for foreigners seeking unskilled agricultural jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship.

Employment Websites to Find Unskilled Agricultural Jobs in Australia

Job seekers looking for agricultural employment in Australia can utilize both government-backed and private employment platforms. These websites regularly list positions that include visa sponsorship options for international workers.

Harvest Trail Website

The Australian Government Harvest Trail website is a dedicated platform connecting job seekers with agricultural employers. It lists seasonal work opportunities across all states and is particularly useful for workers under the SWP and PALM schemes. Wages advertised typically range from AUD $22 to $28 per hour.

SEEK Australia

SEEK is one of Australia’s largest employment portals. A simple search for “farm jobs” or “agriculture jobs with visa sponsorship” yields hundreds of listings. Employers offering visa sponsorship often advertise salaries between AUD $900 and $1,200 weekly.

Indeed Australia

Indeed also lists numerous agricultural positions, particularly during peak harvest seasons. Candidates can filter jobs by “visa sponsorship” to find suitable roles. Average earnings listed are between AUD $23 and $27 per hour, depending on location.

JobActive

JobActive, an Australian government employment service, connects international workers with approved employers. It focuses on seasonal and unskilled labor, ensuring compliance with Australian wage laws. Workers placed through JobActive typically earn AUD $850 to $1,100 per week.

Regional Job Boards

Many rural regions in Australia operate local job boards specifically for agricultural work. For example, Queensland’s regional employment platforms list fruit picking jobs paying AUD $25 per hour or more.

By consistently monitoring these employment websites and applying early, foreign workers increase their chances of securing well-paying unskilled agricultural jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship.