Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia 2026

Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia 2026 Fruit picking in Australia remains a popular pathway for travelers and seasonal workers in 2026, particularly for those looking to fulfill “specified work” requirements for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462).

As of June 2026, the industry is currently preparing for a significant annual update to minimum wage rates, which occurs every year on July 1st.

Job Availability

1 There are currently 26 open fruit picker positions listed on Glassdoor, and 2 328 full-time fruit picking jobs are available on SEEK as of mid-2026. Jobs are available across various regions including Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, and New South Wales.

Current Opportunities

Popular locations and fruits in season include:

• Coffs Harbour, NSW: Blackberry and berry picking positions
• Cobram/Shepparton, VIC: Fruit packing positions
• Manjimup/Pemberton, WA: Farm work opportunities
• Tasmania: Various picking roles with full training provided

Key Requirements

6 You must be in good physical condition and have the ability to stand, bend, and lift large objects for extended periods, and be prepared to labor outside in both hot and cold weather. 1 Camping may be available for seasonal fruit pickers upon request, subject to availability and suitability.

Benefits

• 6 These jobs are open to beginners with no formal farming background, with basic training provided on the job
• 6 Many employers offer affordable or even free accommodation near farms
• 4 Fruit picking is specified work that counts toward your 88 days for a second-year Working Holiday Visa

For the latest listings, check job boards like SEEK, Glassdoor, Backpacker Job Board, and contact farms directly during peak season.

Major Employers & Companies Hiring in 2026

Here are the key companies and employers currently hiring fruit pickers in Australia:

Large Agricultural Companies

Costa Group (Rating: 3.9/5)10 Costa is Australia’s leading grower, packer, and marketer of premium fresh fruit and vegetables. They regularly hire experienced berry pickers across multiple locations including Corindi, NSW.

Comfresh10 Comfresh is one of Australia’s leading grower, packer and marketer of premium fresh produce.

Rombola Family Farms11 Based in the heart of Australia’s agricultural landscape, in Griffith, Rombola Family Farms is a forward-thinking business committed to producing the highest quality fruits, vegetables, and produce for local markets, with operations in Griffith (NSW), Bundaberg (QLD), Douglas-Daly (NT) and Mataranka (NT).

Riviera Farms Pty Ltd7 Looking for 20 harvest and processing workers that will average 30 hours per week.

Barden Farms Multiple positions available across Australia for pickers/packers.

Labor Hire & Recruitment Agencies

Range Workforce Solutions6 Currently seeking Apple Pickers for work based in Shepparton commencing Monday 20th April. Also recruiting for fruit packing and forklift operators in Cobram, VIC starting June 2026.

Specific Farm Operations Currently Hiring

Coffs Harbour Region (NSW)

• 3 2026 Winter Raspberry and Blueberry Picking Season NOW HIRING in Coffs Harbour, NSW – 2nd & 3rd Year Working Holiday Visa Eligible
• 9 Picking and packing blueberries on a certified organic blueberry farm, working 7 days a week to allow for bad weather

Caboolture (QLD)

• 3 Hiring strawberry pickers & packers at two farms located in Caboolture, QLD

Shepparton/Goulburn Valley (VIC)

• Multiple seasonal positions for cherry and fruit pickers

Tasmania

• 2 Experienced berry pickers needed for berry season in Northwest Tasmania
• Berry picking positions in Exton, TAS

Other Companies

• Melbafresh Organics – Picker/packer roles in Epping ($35-40/hr)
• PACHOLM PTY LTD – Multiple delivery and farm roles
• Watt Export – Fresh produce export business
• Mallee Gold – Farm hands needed
• AFF (Australian Fresh Food) – Koramba location
• Bunge – Looking for motivated farmhands

Apply Now || Apply Now || Apply now ||

Current 2026 Pay Rates

Under the Horticulture Award 2026, you are entitled to a minimum “safety net” hourly rate, even if you are working on a piece rate (pay per bucket/kg).

• Casual Minimum Wage: As of June 2026, the rate for a Level 1 casual worker is approximately $31.76 per hour (this includes the 25% casual loading).
• Upcoming Increase: Note that on July 1, 2026, the Fair Work Commission will likely increase this rate slightly as part of the annual wage review.
• Piecework: If you pick faster than the average worker, you can earn significantly more (often $40–$60 per hour), but your employer cannot pay you less than the hourly minimum if you are a slow picker.

June 2026 “What’s Picking” Locations

If you are looking for immediate work this month, focus on these regions:

• Coffs Harbour / Kempsey (NSW): Blueberries and Raspberries (Season starting now, peak in July).56
• Bundaberg (QLD): Sweet Potatoes, Citrus, and Ginger (Year-round hub).
• Atherton Tablelands / Innisfail (QLD): Bananas and Avocados.1
• Sunraysia / Riverland (VIC/NSW/SA): Citrus (Oranges and Mandarins are in high season).
• Carnarvon (WA): Bananas and Vegetables.1

Warning: Always verify that an employer has a valid ABN (Australian Business Number) and never pay for a job or for “guaranteed” accommodation before you arrive and see the contract.

Salary Reality for Fruit Picking in Australia 2026

Here’s the honest truth about what you’ll actually earn:

Legal Minimums vs. Reality

Legal Minimum Rates (2026):

• 4 Casual fruit pickers earn at least $30.35/hour under the Horticulture Award
• 4 Minimum $24.95 an hour, casual pickers $30.35+ under the Hort Award
• From July 2026, 12the National Minimum Wage will increase by 5.97%, rising from US$16.14 to US$17.10 per hour

What Beginners Actually Earn

4 On piece rates, beginners often earn around minimum wage while learning, competent pickers earn $30-$40/hour equivalent, and fast experienced pickers can earn $45-$50+/hour on crops like cherries and mangoes. 10 A realistic expectation for your first picking job: you’ll earn around minimum wage for the first week while your hands and body adjust. By week two or three, most people are earning noticeably more.

The Piece Rate Reality

Most fruit picking jobs pay piece rates (per bin, bucket, or kg) rather than hourly:

Legal Protections:

• 4 The law requires piece rates to be set so an average competent worker earns at least 15% above the minimum hourly rate
• 4 There’s also a daily minimum wage floor, so you can’t earn below the hourly minimum even on a slow day. If your piece rate earnings for the day work out to less than the hourly minimum, the employer has to top you up. You can’t legally earn below minimum wage on piece rates, even on a slow day

What Fast Pickers Earn:

• 6 Fast pickers can earn $300-400+/day on high-paying crops like cherries
• 4 Fast pickers regularly earn $300-$400+ per day during peak weeks
• 4 $250-$350/day is realistic for experienced pickers on mangoes

Challenges to Consider

No Job Security: Purely seasonal work with no guarantees of hours or duration

Exploitation Risk: Some workers still earn as little as $3-5/hour despite legal protections

Physical Demands: Extremely hard work – bending, lifting, heat/cold exposure for 8-12 hours

Learning Curve: Beginners often earn minimum wage for first 1-2 weeks on piece rates

Variable Income: Earnings depend heavily on speed, weather, crop quality, and season

Remote Locations: Many jobs are in rural areas with limited amenities

Job Market Takeaways (2026)

• The “July 1st Jump”: Every worker currently in the fields is about to get a pay raise. The Fair Work Commission has confirmed that on July 1, 2026, minimum wages will rise. For fruit pickers (casuals), the base rate will move toward $33.00+ per hour.
• A “Two-Tier” Labor Force: The market is now divided into Level 1 (entry-level, first 3 months) and Level 2 (experienced, after 3 months). By law, once you hit 3 months of cumulative experience in the industry, your employer must move you to Level 2 pay, regardless of which farm you are on.
• The “Tech-Ag” Shift: While manual picking remains the bulk of the work, there is a massive 2026 trend toward “Ag-Tech” roles. Farms are increasingly hiring for GPS-guided tractor operations, drone crop monitoring, and automated packing shed roles, which offer higher pay and better conditions.
• Northern Dominance (Current Season): As it is currently June, the “Winter Harvest” is centered in the North. Queensland (Bundaberg, Bowen) and the Northern Territory (Darwin) are the primary hubs right now, while the southern states (Victoria/Tasmania) are mostly focused on “pruning” work.

Conclusion

The fruit picking job market in Australia for 2026 is robust but requires realistic expectations.

There are plenty of jobs available across the country, with legitimate employers offering fair wages that range from the legal minimum of $30.35/hour (casual) to $400+ per day for experienced pickers on premium crops. The work serves multiple purposes: it provides income, counts toward visa extensions, offers accommodation, and requires no prior experience.

However, this is not easy money. The work is physically demanding, exploitation still exists despite legal protections, and beginners should expect to earn closer to minimum wage while learning. Success requires choosing reputable employers, building physical stamina, and developing picking speed over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still be paid by “piece rate” (how much I pick)? Yes, but with a safety net. You can have a piecework agreement that allows you to earn more than the minimum if you are fast.3 However, if you pick slowly, the farmer must still pay you at least the hourly minimum ($32.18 – $33.05 for casuals) for every hour you worked.

2. Does fruit picking still count for the 88-day visa extension? Yes. For most countries, you must complete 88 days of “specified work” in regional areas to get a 2nd-year visa. Note for UK Citizens: As of 2026, UK passport holders are exempt from this requirement and can renew their visa without doing farm work.

3. What is the “best” crop for making money in 2026?

• Cherries (Nov–Dec): High piece rates for fast pickers.4
• Bananas (Year-round): Steady hourly pay and consistent 38-hour weeks.
• Citrus (Jun–Sep): Currently in season; high volume of work available in SA and VIC.

4. How do I avoid “scam” farms? Avoid any employer asking for “upfront fees” for jobs, tools, or “guaranteed” accommodation. Use the Harvest Trail (Government) or the Backpacker Job Board to find verified employers. Legitimate farms will always ask for your TFN (Tax File Number) and Superannuation details before you start.

5. How much can I realistically save per week? A hardworking picker in 2026 earning $33/hr for a 40-hour week takes home roughly $1,120 after tax. After paying $250 for a hostel and $150 for food, you can realistically save $700 per week.