Western Australia Farm Jobs
List of 140 Farm Jobs
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140 Agricultural Opportunities Available
Discover harvest, livestock, dairy and specialized agricultural positions across Western Australia
Build your career in WA’s $15.5 billion agriculture sector with positions paying up to $130,000 annually across grain production, livestock, and horticulture.
List of 140 Farm Jobs
No jobs match your selected filters.
Farm jobs in Western Australia are agricultural employment opportunities across the state’s $15.5 billion agriculture sector, which employs 42,000 local workers and exports 80% of its production. These positions range from entry-level farm hands earning $53,000 annually to experienced farm managers earning up to $130,000 per year, spanning across grain production, livestock management, horticulture, and mixed farming operations throughout WA’s 10 agricultural regions.
The types of agricultural jobs available in Western Australia include:
To find farm work in Western Australia, there are 5 steps:
Firstly, search major recruitment platforms including SEEK (which lists 602+ agriculture jobs in WA), Indeed, Agri Labour Australia, and Rural Enterprises for current vacancies.
Secondly, identify your preferred region among WA’s 10 agricultural zones: Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Midwest, Wheatbelt, Perth, Peel, South West, Great Southern, or Goldfields.
Thirdly, determine whether you want seasonal work (typically October to March peak season with 125,200 workers) or permanent positions available year-round.
Fourthly, check visa requirements if you’re an international worker - farm work counts towards the 88-day requirement for Working Holiday Maker visa extensions.
Fifthly, apply directly through recruitment agencies specializing in agriculture such as Agri Labour Australia, Rural Enterprises, or the Backpacker Job Board for visa-eligible workers.
The average salary for farm workers in Western Australia is $67,820 per year, with hourly rates starting at $28.16 for general farm hands. Entry-level positions begin at $53,000 annually, while experienced workers earn up to $90,000 per year. Farm managers in Western Australia average $86,796 annually, with experienced managers earning up to $130,000, and machinery operators average $80,000 per year with rates increasing from $25.64 per hour for those with 1-4 years experience to $28.06 per hour for those with 5-9 years experience.
The peak seasons for farm work in Western Australia occur from October to March, when total horticulture farm labour increases from a low of 107,400 workers to a peak of 125,200 workers. Grain harvest typically runs from October to January across the wheat belt, while fruit picking seasons vary by crop type throughout summer and autumn. The seasonal variation reflects the timing of labour-intensive operations such as planting and harvest, with casual and contract workers peaking in late summer and reaching their lowest numbers in late winter.
The benefits of working on farms in Western Australia include:
The main agricultural regions for farm work in Western Australia are:
The minimum wage requirements for farm workers in Western Australia vary between state and federal systems. Under the federal Pastoral Award, the minimum hourly rate is $25.41 as of July 1, 2024, with senior farm hands earning $29.64 per hour. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading on top of hourly rates. Western Australia maintains its own Farm Employees Award covering July 1, 2024 to January 30, 2025, while the dairy industry operates award-free with negotiated wages. Workers paid piece rates must be able to earn at least 15% above the minimum hourly rate and are guaranteed minimum wage for each day worked.
To prepare for farm work in Western Australia, there are 6 steps:
Firstly, ensure physical fitness as harvest work involves extensive bending, stretching, and working in hot temperatures up to 40°C during summer months.
Secondly, obtain essential safety equipment including wide-brimmed hats, sturdy steel-capped boots, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and adequate water containers.
Thirdly, research accommodation options as regional areas have limited housing - many farms provide on-site accommodation or basic room and board.
Fourthly, verify visa eligibility and work rights, particularly if seeking to fulfill the 88-day regional work requirement for visa extensions.
Fifthly, prepare for early starts as fruit pickers typically begin work at 6 am to avoid peak heat, with long working days during harvest season.
Sixthly, understand payment structures including hourly rates (minimum $25.41) and piece rates, ensuring any employer guarantees at least minimum wage regardless of productivity.
Training opportunities available for farm workers in Western Australia include:
The current challenges facing farm employment in Western Australia include severe labor shortages with 78% of horticultural producers scaling back production due to staffing gaps. The pandemic reduced Working Holiday Makers by 87% from 143,000 to 18,600 workers between February 2020 and March 2022, while Western Australia experienced the highest labor decline rate at 26% from 2019-20 to 2021-22. Northern Territory growers report losing 15% of mango crops due to picker shortages, highlighting the industry-wide impact. Competition from other industries, distance from major population centers, and seasonal workforce gaps particularly in fruit-picking and dairy operations continue to challenge the sector despite government initiatives like the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and university pilot programs.
Western Australia’s agricultural sector offers diverse employment opportunities across its $15.5 billion industry, with positions ranging from entry-level farm hands to specialized management roles. Despite facing workforce challenges with 78% of producers scaling back operations, the sector provides competitive wages, clear career progression pathways, and comprehensive benefits including accommodation and training opportunities. With improved seasonal conditions for 2024-25 and government initiatives addressing labor shortages, Western Australia’s farm jobs remain an attractive option for both local and international workers seeking employment in one of Australia’s most vital industries.