Seasonal work pay: hourly rates, piecework and your rights

Identify the award before comparing pay

Horticulture, wine, meat processing and hospitality can be covered by different awards or agreements. Ask which one applies, your classification and whether you are casual, part-time or full-time. The quoted amount should explain casual loading, superannuation, penalties and allowances.

Western Australia also has a state employment system covering some employers. Its Fruit Growing and Fruit Packing Industry Award is distinct from the national Horticulture Award. Ask which industrial-relations system applies before comparing figures.

Sources: Fair Work · hourly pay, piece rates and the minimum wage guarantee · Fair Work Commission · Horticulture Award MA000028 · WA Government · Fruit Growing and Fruit Packing Award, July 2026 rates

Current national horticulture starting rates

Fair Work’s published adult level 1 Horticulture Award rates, effective from 1 July 2026, are:

These are not universal rates for every seasonal job. A higher classification, overtime, penalties, allowances or an agreement can change the entitlement. Use the Fair Work Pay Calculator for your role and date.

Sources: Fair Work · hourly pay, piece rates and the minimum wage guarantee · Fair Work Commission · Horticulture Award MA000028

Piece rate: output pay plus a daily floor

Under the national Horticulture Award, a pieceworker must receive at least their applicable minimum hourly rate multiplied by hours worked that day. Casual loading is included for a casual worker. If the piece-rate earnings are higher, the higher amount is payable.

The piece rate must be set so a competent worker at the task’s average productivity can earn at least 15% above the relevant hourly rate. That rate-setting test is separate from the daily minimum guarantee. A new worker is not required to reach that productivity before receiving the guarantee.

The employer must give you a signed piecework record before the work begins. Keep your own hours and output, and get updated written details when the task or rate changes. The Wine Award has different piecework provisions, so do not assume this horticulture calculation applies to vineyard work.

Sources: Fair Work · hourly pay, piece rates and the minimum wage guarantee · Fair Work Commission · Horticulture Award MA000028

Read the payslip, including costs

Employers must provide a payslip within one working day of payday. Compare hours, gross pay, rates, deductions and net pay with your own record. Check who receives any accommodation or transport deduction and whether it is permitted. Signing a broad agreement does not make an otherwise unreasonable or unlawful employer-benefit deduction valid.

Ask whether advertised pay is before tax and whether super is additional. An hourly rate is not a guaranteed weekly income unless the employment terms provide the hours. Weather interruptions and changing rosters make it useful to keep a buffer.

Sources: Fair Work · pay, entitlements and working conditions · Fair Work · deductions from pay

Questions to ask before your first shift

• Which award or agreement and classification cover this job?
• Does the quoted rate include casual loading?
• What penalties, overtime or allowances apply?
• For piecework, what are the unit, rate, written record and daily guarantee?
• What hours are expected, and what happens if weather stops the work?
• How are accommodation and transport charged?
• When are payslips and payments issued?

Keep written answers. If payment does not match, raise the discrepancy promptly and use Fair Work’s assistance channels.

Sources: Fair Work · hourly pay, piece rates and the minimum wage guarantee · Fair Work · pay, entitlements and working conditions · Fair Work · deductions from pay

Common questions

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