Australia has long been a popular destination for foreign workers, offering a range of job opportunities across various industries. Among the many sectors, farm jobs in Australia stand out due to their flexibility, competitive wages, and the potential to provide a pathway to permanent residency. In 2025, foreign workers interested in farm jobs with visa sponsorship can earn up to AUD $40 per hour, gaining invaluable experience while contributing to Australia’s agriculture industry.
In this article, we will explore the opportunities available for farm workers in Australia, how you can secure visa sponsorship, and the benefits of working in this sector, including the potential for permanent residency.
Why Choose Farm Jobs in Australia?
Australia’s agriculture industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy. The sector is diverse, ranging from crop farming to livestock, horticulture, and viticulture. These industries rely heavily on seasonal and skilled workers, making farm jobs an attractive option for foreign workers.
Aside from the great wages, farm jobs also offer other benefits, such as:
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Pathway to Permanent Residency: Many farm jobs are eligible for visa sponsorship and may help workers secure permanent residency through Australia’s immigration programs.
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Good Pay: Farm jobs can offer competitive wages, with hourly rates ranging from AUD $20 to $40, depending on the job and location.
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Work-Life Balance: Australia is known for its laid-back lifestyle, and farm workers can enjoy the tranquility of rural life while still earning good pay.
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Cultural Experience: Working on a farm provides a unique opportunity to experience Australian culture and interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
Types of Farm Jobs Available in Australia
1. Fruit Picking and Harvesting
Fruit picking is one of the most common farm jobs for foreigners in Australia. The country produces a wide range of fruits, including apples, oranges, grapes, and strawberries. Workers are needed to pick fruits during harvest seasons, which vary depending on the region and crop.
Key Responsibilities:
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Picking fruits from trees or vines
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Sorting and packing the fruits
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Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the fields
Salary Range:
Fruit pickers typically earn between AUD $20 and AUD $30 per hour, with potential for overtime pay during peak harvest seasons.
2. Vegetable Picking and Packing
Similar to fruit picking, vegetable picking involves harvesting crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and carrots. This job requires physical stamina and the ability to work quickly to meet tight deadlines during harvest seasons.
Key Responsibilities:
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Harvesting vegetables by hand
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Sorting and packaging the vegetables
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Ensuring the crops are harvested in a timely and efficient manner
Salary Range:
Vegetable pickers earn between AUD $20 and AUD $35 per hour, with some positions offering bonuses or incentives for reaching quotas.
3. Farm Laborers
Farm laborers are responsible for performing a range of tasks on farms, including planting, cultivating, and irrigating crops, as well as tending to livestock. These positions often require workers to be flexible and adaptable, as the daily tasks can vary depending on the type of farm.
Key Responsibilities:
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Assisting with planting, fertilizing, and irrigation
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Maintaining farm equipment and machinery
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Caring for livestock and feeding animals
Salary Range:
Farm laborers typically earn between AUD $25 and AUD $40 per hour, depending on the type of work and the location of the farm.
4. Viticulture and Winery Jobs
Australia is known for its world-class wine production, and vineyards in regions like the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, and Margaret River require seasonal workers to assist with grape picking, sorting, and wine production.
Key Responsibilities:
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Picking grapes during harvest season
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Assisting with wine production and bottling
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Maintaining vineyards and ensuring optimal growth conditions for grapes
Salary Range:
Viticulture workers can expect to earn between AUD $25 and AUD $40 per hour, with some vineyards offering accommodation and meals.
5. Livestock Handling and Animal Care
Livestock farming is a significant part of Australia’s agricultural sector, with farms raising cattle, sheep, and poultry. Workers in this field are responsible for caring for animals, feeding them, and ensuring their health and safety.
Key Responsibilities:
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Feeding and watering livestock
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Assisting with breeding and veterinary care
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Handling livestock and maintaining pens and barns
Salary Range:
Livestock handlers can earn between AUD $20 and AUD $35 per hour, depending on the farm and region.
How to Secure Farm Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Australia
Securing a farm job with visa sponsorship in Australia is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning. Here are the steps you need to take to find and apply for farm jobs that offer visa sponsorship:
Step 1: Research Job Listings
There are several online job platforms that list farm jobs in Australia, including those with visa sponsorship. Websites like SEEK, Jora, and JobSearch are good places to start. Additionally, many farms advertise job openings directly on their websites.
Step 2: Apply for the Job
Once you find a suitable job, apply by submitting your resume and cover letter. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience in agriculture, farming, or manual labor. Emphasize your willingness to learn and adaptability to farm life.
Step 3: Wait for Employer’s Response
If your application is successful, you will be contacted by the employer to discuss the next steps. Some employers may conduct interviews via video calls, while others may offer direct placement depending on the job and your qualifications.
Step 4: Secure Visa Sponsorship
Once you’ve received a job offer, your employer will assist you with the visa application process. The most common visa for farm workers is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), which allows workers to stay in Australia for up to four years. For those working on regional farms, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) may provide a pathway to permanent residency.
Step 5: Complete the Visa Application
After receiving your job offer, you will need to submit the required documents to apply for your work visa. This process may involve providing proof of identity, health checks, police clearance, and your job offer letter. Your employer will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth visa application process.
Benefits of Farm Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
1. Competitive Pay
Farm jobs in Australia offer competitive hourly rates, especially for positions requiring physical labor or seasonal work. Earning up to AUD $40 per hour is not uncommon, and farm workers can often supplement their income with overtime or bonuses.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many farm workers in Australia can apply for permanent residency through Australia’s immigration system. By working on a farm in a regional area, workers may be eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa, which can lead to permanent residency after a few years of work.
3. Opportunity to Experience Rural Australia
Working on a farm gives you the chance to experience the beauty of rural Australia. Whether it’s working in the vineyards of the Barossa Valley or tending livestock on a cattle station in Queensland, farm jobs offer an authentic Australian experience that can’t be found in the city.
4. Accommodation and Meals
Many farms offer accommodation and meals as part of the job package, making it easier for workers to live and work in remote areas. This can be a huge benefit, especially for those new to the country and looking for a cost-effective way to live.
Conclusion
Farm jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship provide a fantastic opportunity for foreign workers to earn a good income while experiencing life in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. With wages of up to AUD $40 per hour, the chance to work in agriculture and farming is both financially rewarding and personally enriching.
If you are looking for a job that offers both great pay and a pathway to permanent residency, farm jobs in Australia are a solid choice. Start your journey by researching job opportunities, applying for positions, and securing your visa sponsorship. In no time, you could be working in the heart of Australia’s agricultural industry, enjoying a fulfilling job and a great lifestyle.

Don has over 5 years of experience as an SEO expert, writer, and digital media professional. He has led teams to create engaging news broadcasts and has covered major news stories. Hems has worked with top outlets like Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, and Fox Business Network, focusing on insurance, business, and finance. His skills combine SEO knowledge with strong storytelling, making him an expert in creating content that is original, optimized and informative.