Pastoral Award pay rates
Award code MA000035, with rates in force from 1 July 2026.
Minimum pay for 95 adult classifications under the Pastoral Award 2020, from 1 July 2026: $893.99 to $1,999.82 a week before tax. Casuals get a 25% loading on top.
Lowest adult rate
$893.99a week
For Minimum rate, which is 84.56% of Shearer's minimum rate. Up 4.75% from $853.46.
Its lowest adult rate is $893.99 a week. Of the 25 awards that set weekly rates, 24 have a higher minimum. The dashed line is the minimum wage; each tick is another award.
Pay by group of classifications
Dollars a week, from 1 July 2026- Broadacre Farming and Livestock Operations8 classifications$978.10 to $1,202.50
- Adult Station cooks4 classifications$133.38 to $978.10
- Pig Breeding and Raising7 classifications$978.10 to $1,154.30
- Poultry Farming - Adult4 classifications$978.10 to $1,119.10
- Shed hands2 classifications$1,485.04 to $1,562.75
- Woolclassers and Shearing shed experts5 classifications$1,590.35 to $1,999.80
- Woolclassers and Shearing shed experts1 classification$1,908.10
- Woolclassers and Shearing shed experts1 classification$1,590.35
- Woolclassers and Shearing shed experts1 classification$1,767.05
- Shearers9 classifications$27.52 to $2,049.81
Show 6 moreShow fewer
- Shed hands10 classifications$79.78 to $1,562.75
- Woolpressers12 classifications$79.78 to $1,751.85
- Shearing cooks5 classifications$200.23 to $1,696.11
- Woolclassers and Shearing shed experts7 classifications$159.25 to $1,767.05
- Woolclassers and Shearing shed experts9 classifications$112.85 to $1,908.10
- Woolclassers and Shearing shed experts10 classifications$73.37 to $1,999.82
Every classification in each group is in the tables below.
Penalty rates at a glance
Percent of the ordinary rate, and dollars an hour at FLH1.
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 | 125%$32.18 |
| Public holiday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
Minimum pay by classification from 1 July 2026
Weekly rates are for a full-time week; hourly rates apply to full-time and part-time hours. Casual hourly adds the 25% loading.
Broadacre Farming and Livestock OperationsClause 32.1
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLH1 | $978.10 | $25.74 | $32.18 |
| FLH2 | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| FLH3 | $1,006.80 | $26.49 | $33.11 |
| FLH4 | $1,029.10 | $27.08 | $33.85 |
| FLH5 | $1,046.90 | $27.55 | $34.44 |
| FLH6 | $1,062.90 | $27.97 | $34.96 |
| FLH7 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| FLH8 | $1,202.50 | $31.64 | $39.55 |
Adult Station cooksClause 34.3 - Adult
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Station cook (FLH1), minimum weekly rate | $978.10 |
| Station cook (FLH1), work on 6 full days | $133.38 |
| Station cook (FLH1), work on 6 full days & 1 half day | $266.75 |
| Station cook (FLH1), work on 7 full days | $400.13 |
Pig Breeding and RaisingClause 37.1
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA1 | $978.10 | $25.74 | $32.18 |
| PA2 | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| PA3 | $1,029.10 | $27.08 | $33.85 |
| PA4 | $1,063.00 | $27.97 | $34.96 |
| PA5 | $1,089.90 | $28.68 | $35.85 |
| PA6 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| PA7 | $1,154.30 | $30.38 | $37.98 |
Poultry Farming - AdultClause 47.1
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| PW1 | $978.10 | $25.74 | $32.18 |
| PW2 | $1,006.80 | $26.49 | $33.11 |
| PW3 | $1,046.90 | $27.55 | $34.44 |
| PW4 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
Shed handsClause 51.4(a)
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| WeeklyFor adults with less than 65 work days' experience as a shed hand | $1,485.04 |
| WeeklyFor adults with 65 or more work days' experience as a shed hand | $1,562.75 |
Shearing cooksClause 51.6(a)
| Classification | Daily |
|---|---|
| Per employee per day rate | $26.09 |
Rates for shearing cooks per dayClause 51.6(b)
| Classification | Daily |
|---|---|
| If less than amount, employer to pay deficiency | $339.22 |
Woolclassers and Shearing shed expertsClause 51.9(a)
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Shearing shed expert level 1 | $1,590.35 |
| Woolclasser level 1 | $1,767.05 |
| Shearing shed expert level 2 | $1,767.05 |
| Woolclasser level 2 | $1,908.10 |
| Woolclasser level 3 | $1,999.80 |
Woolclassers and Shearing shed expertsClause 51.9(b)
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Woolclasser level 2 | $1,908.10 |
Woolclassers and Shearing shed expertsClause 51.9(c)(i)
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Shearing shed experts - E1 | $1,590.35 |
Woolclassers and Shearing shed expertsClause 51.9(c)(ii)
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Shearing shed experts - E2 | $1,767.05 |
Other classificationsClause 52.5(a)(ii)
| Classification | Daily |
|---|---|
| Breakdown of machinery, allowance for delays and termination of agreements, found employees | $197.93 |
| Breakdown of machinery, allowance for delays and termination of agreements, not found employees | $239.98 |
ShearersClause A.1.1
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Minimum rate | $1,057.23 |
| Plus 20% piecework allowance, min rate x 20% | $211.45 |
| Plus 25% casual loading, min rate x 25% | $264.31 |
| Plus allowance for combs/cutters | $121.75 |
| Plus payment for handpiece | $27.52 |
| Plus rations | $79.78 |
| Plus shearing industry allowance | $287.77 |
| Subtotal | $1,532.99 |
| Weekly total for casual piecework Shearer with own handpiece (500 sheep) | $2,049.81 |
Shed handsClause A.3.1
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| With 65 or more work days’ experience in the industryMinimum rate which is 90.44% of Shearer's minimum rate | $956.16 |
| With 65 or more work days’ experience in the industryPlus 25% casual loading, new minimum wage rate x 25% | $239.04 |
| With 65 or more work days’ experience in the industryPlus rations | $79.78 |
| With 65 or more work days’ experience in the industryPlus shearing industry allowance | $287.77 |
| With 65 or more work days’ experience in the industryTotal | $1,562.75 |
| With less than 65 work days’ experience in the industryMinimum rate, which is 84.56% of Shearer's minimum rate | $893.99 |
| With less than 65 work days’ experience in the industryPlus 25% casual loading, new minimum wage rate x 25% | $223.50 |
| With less than 65 work days’ experience in the industryPlus rations | $79.78 |
| With less than 65 work days’ experience in the industryPlus shearing industry allowance | $287.77 |
| With less than 65 work days’ experience in the industryTotal | $1,485.04 |
WoolpressersClause A.4
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| PieceworkMinimum rate | $954.69 |
| PieceworkPlus 20% piecework allowance, min rate x 20% | $190.94 |
| PieceworkPlus 25% casual loading, min rate x 25% | $238.67 |
| PieceworkPlus rations | $79.78 |
| PieceworkPlus shearing industry allowance | $287.77 |
| PieceworkSubtotal | $1,384.30 |
| PieceworkTotal per week | $1,751.85 |
| Time workMinimum rate | $1,030.23 |
| Time workPlus 25% casual loading, min rate x 25% | $257.56 |
| Time workPlus rations | $79.78 |
| Time workPlus shearing industry allowance | $287.77 |
| Time workTotal per week | $1,655.34 |
Shearing cooksClause A.5
| Classification | Weekly | Daily |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rate, total divided by 5 | - | $339.22 |
| Minimum rate | $1,031.64 | - |
| Plus 20% long hours allowance, min rate x 20% | $206.33 | - |
| Plus 25% casual loading, min rate x 25% | $257.91 | - |
| Plus 69.58% of shearing industry allowance | $200.23 | - |
| Total | $1,696.11 | - |
Woolclassers and Shearing shed expertsClause A.6.1
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Base | $1,105.64 |
| Plus casual loading of 25% (of base) | $276.41 |
| Plus conditions allowance | $159.25 |
| Plus enterprise flexibility (including hours) and wet weather allowance | $225.74 |
| Rounded to the nearest 5 cents | $1,767.05 |
| Subtotal | $1,382.05 |
| Total | $1,767.04 |
Woolclassers and Shearing shed expertsClause A.6.2
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Base | $1,105.64 |
| Plus casual loading of 25% (of subtotal 1) | $304.62 |
| Plus conditions allowance | $159.25 |
| Plus enterprise flexibility (including hours) and wet weather allowance | $225.74 |
| Rounded to the nearest 5 cents | $1,908.10 |
| Subtotal 1 | $1,218.49 |
| Subtotal 2 | $1,523.11 |
| Total | $1,908.10 |
| Woolrolling and other shed hands work | $112.85 |
Woolclassers and Shearing shed expertsClause A.6.3
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Base | $1,105.64 |
| Bookkeeping, overseeing, experting | $73.37 |
| Plus casual loading of 25% (of subtotal 1) | $322.97 |
| Plus conditions allowance | $159.25 |
| Plus enterprise flexibility (including hours) and wet weather allowance | $225.74 |
| Rounded to the nearest 5 cents | $1,999.80 |
| Subtotal 1 | $1,291.86 |
| Subtotal 2 | $1,614.83 |
| Total | $1,999.82 |
| Woolrolling and other shed hands work | $112.85 |
Penalty and overtime rates
Percentages as the award sets them, and what they come to an hour at the first adult level. Higher classifications get the same percentages of their own rate. The tick on each bar marks 100%, the ordinary rate.
Evenings, weekends and public holidays
Farm and livestock hand adult employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at FLH1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 | 125%$32.18 |
| Public holiday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
Piggery attendant adult employees: other than shiftworkers, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at PA1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 | 125%$32.18 |
| Saturday | 150%$38.61 | 175%$45.05 |
| Public holiday | 250%$64.35 | 275%$70.79 |
Full-time and part-time poultry farm worker adult employees
Dollars an hour at PW1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 |
| Monday to Saturday, Overtime hours | 150%$38.61 |
| Sunday, Overtime hours - Feeding or watering stock | 150%$38.61 |
| Public holiday | 200%$51.48 |
| Sunday, Overtime hours - Other than feeding or watering stock | 200%$51.48 |
Poultry farm worker adult employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at PW1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 | 125%$32.18 |
| Public holiday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
Shiftwork
Piggery attendant adult employees: shiftworkers, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at PA1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Successive afternoon or night shift | 115%$29.60 | 140%$36.04 |
| Permanent night shift | 130%$33.46 | 155%$39.90 |
| Non-successive afternoon or night shift - first 3 hours | 150%$38.61 | 175%$45.05 |
| Saturday | 150%$38.61 | 175%$45.05 |
| Non-successive afternoon or night shift - after 3 hours | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Public holiday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Sunday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
Overtime
Full-time and part-time adult station cooks: additional overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Station cook (FLH1), work on 6 full days
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Additional overtime rates | 100%$133.38 |
Full-time and part-time farm and livestock hand adult employees: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at FLH1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday, Overtime hours | 150%$38.61 |
| Sunday, Overtime hours - feeding & watering stock | 150%$38.61 |
| Sunday, Overtime hours - other than feeding & watering stock | 200%$51.48 |
Full-time and part-time piggery attendant adult employees (all employees including shiftworkers): overtime rates
Dollars an hour at PA1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 |
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$38.61 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$51.48 |
| Sunday | 200%$51.48 |
Juniors, apprentices and other arrangements
Rates that depend on age, training or another arrangement. Open a group to see its rates.
Junior wages - Broadacre Farming and Livestock OperationsJunior ratesClause 32.240 rates
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| FLH116 years | $586.86 |
| FLH117 years | $684.67 |
| FLH118 years | $782.48 |
| FLH119 years | $880.29 |
| FLH1Under 16 years | $489.05 |
| FLH216 years | $602.94 |
| FLH217 years | $703.43 |
| FLH218 years | $803.92 |
| FLH219 years | $904.41 |
| FLH2Under 16 years | $502.45 |
| FLH316 years | $604.08 |
| FLH317 years | $704.76 |
| FLH318 years | $805.44 |
| FLH319 years | $906.12 |
| FLH3Under 16 years | $503.40 |
| FLH416 years | $617.46 |
| FLH417 years | $720.37 |
| FLH418 years | $823.28 |
| FLH419 years | $926.19 |
| FLH4Under 16 years | $514.55 |
| FLH516 years | $628.14 |
| FLH517 years | $732.83 |
| FLH518 years | $837.52 |
| FLH519 years | $942.21 |
| FLH5Under 16 years | $523.45 |
| FLH616 years | $637.74 |
| FLH617 years | $744.03 |
| FLH618 years | $850.32 |
| FLH619 years | $956.61 |
| FLH6Under 16 years | $531.45 |
| FLH716 years | $671.46 |
| FLH717 years | $783.37 |
| FLH718 years | $895.28 |
| FLH719 years | $1,007.19 |
| FLH7Under 16 years | $559.55 |
| FLH816 years | $721.50 |
| FLH817 years | $841.75 |
| FLH818 years | $962.00 |
| FLH819 years | $1,082.25 |
| FLH8Under 16 years | $601.25 |
Junior station cookJunior ratesClause 34.3 - Juniors20 rates
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Junior weekly rate16 years | $586.86 |
| Junior weekly rate17 years | $684.67 |
| Junior weekly rate18 years | $782.48 |
| Junior weekly rate19 years | $880.29 |
| Junior weekly rateUnder 16 years | $489.05 |
| Work on 6 full days16 years | $80.03 |
| Work on 6 full days17 years | $93.36 |
| Work on 6 full days18 years | $106.70 |
| Work on 6 full days19 years | $120.04 |
| Work on 6 full daysUnder 16 years | $66.69 |
| Work on 6 full days & 1 half day16 years | $160.05 |
| Work on 6 full days & 1 half day17 years | $186.73 |
| Work on 6 full days & 1 half day18 years | $213.40 |
| Work on 6 full days & 1 half day19 years | $240.08 |
| Work on 6 full days & 1 half dayUnder 16 years | $133.38 |
| Work on 7 full days16 years | $240.08 |
| Work on 7 full days17 years | $280.09 |
| Work on 7 full days18 years | $320.11 |
| Work on 7 full days19 years | $360.12 |
| Work on 7 full daysUnder 16 years | $200.07 |
Junior wages - Pig breeding and raisingJunior ratesClause 37.235 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| PA116 years | $15.44 |
| PA117 years | $18.02 |
| PA118 years | $20.59 |
| PA119 years | $23.17 |
| PA1Under 16 years | $12.87 |
| PA216 years | $15.86 |
| PA217 years | $18.51 |
| PA218 years | $21.15 |
| PA219 years | $23.80 |
| PA2Under 16 years | $13.22 |
| PA316 years | $16.25 |
| PA317 years | $18.96 |
| PA318 years | $21.66 |
| PA319 years | $24.37 |
| PA3Under 16 years | $13.54 |
| PA416 years | $16.78 |
| PA417 years | $19.58 |
| PA418 years | $22.38 |
| PA419 years | $25.17 |
| PA4Under 16 years | $13.99 |
| PA516 years | $17.21 |
| PA517 years | $20.08 |
| PA518 years | $22.94 |
| PA519 years | $25.81 |
| PA5Under 16 years | $14.34 |
| PA616 years | $17.67 |
| PA617 years | $20.62 |
| PA618 years | $23.56 |
| PA619 years | $26.51 |
| PA6Under 16 years | $14.73 |
| PA716 years | $18.23 |
| PA717 years | $21.27 |
| PA718 years | $24.30 |
| PA719 years | $27.34 |
| PA7Under 16 years | $15.19 |
Junior wages - Poultry FarmingJunior ratesClause 47.220 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| PW116 years | $15.44 |
| PW117 years | $18.02 |
| PW118 years | $20.59 |
| PW119 years | $23.17 |
| PW1Under 16 years | $12.87 |
| PW216 years | $15.89 |
| PW217 years | $18.54 |
| PW218 years | $21.19 |
| PW219 years | $23.84 |
| PW2Under 16 years | $13.25 |
| PW316 years | $16.53 |
| PW317 years | $19.29 |
| PW318 years | $22.04 |
| PW319 years | $24.80 |
| PW3Under 16 years | $13.78 |
| PW416 years | $17.67 |
| PW417 years | $20.62 |
| PW418 years | $23.56 |
| PW419 years | $26.51 |
| PW4Under 16 years | $14.73 |
Allowances paid on top
14 allowances are for the work itself, paid when the job calls for it, and 23 cover costs you'd otherwise pay yourself, like meals, laundry or travel. The amounts are the Commission's, in force today; the award sets out exactly who gets each one and when.
For the work
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Leading hand, in charge of | ||
| 11 to 20 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 18.2(b)(i) | $50.50 a week | |
| 2 to 6 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 18.2(b)(i) | $30.41 a week | |
| 7 to 10 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 18.2(b)(i) | $35.43 a week | |
| More than 20 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 18.2(b)(i) | $63.46 a week | |
| First aid allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 18.2(c) | $3.70 a day | |
| Station hand, jetting, spraying, swabbing sheepClause 33.4 | $4.49 a day | |
| Lack of amenities allowanceClause 51.3(b) | $13.62 a day | |
| Bookkeeping allowanceClause 51.9(f) | $73.37 a week | |
| Conditions allowanceClause 51.9(f) | $159.25 a week | |
| Enterprise flexibility allowanceClause 51.9(f) | $225.74 a week | |
| Woolrolling allowanceClause 51.9(f) | $112.85 a week | |
| Allowance where sleeping quarters not provided | ||
| To pay for sleeping quartersClause 52.1(b) | $68.59 a night | |
| Travel time in excess of one hour per day, between shed and sleeping quartersClause 52.2 | $22.63 an hour | |
| Travelling allowance (more than 65 km distance from shed), Shearers (or Crutchers) onlyClause 52.3(a) | $20.36 a day | |
To cover costs
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Use of vehicle allowanceClause 18.3(c) | $1.00 a km | |
| Meal allowance | ||
| Overtime of more than 1.5 hoursClause 18.3(d)(i) | $17.90 a meal | |
| Overtime of more than 2 hours without required noticeClause 18.3(d)(ii) | $17.90 a meal | |
| Overtime after working ordinary hours on Monday to FridayClause 43.7(a) | $17.90 a meal | |
| Unplanned overtime of more than 2 hoursClause 43.7(b) | $17.90 a meal | |
| With Keep deductionClause 32.3 | $165.86 a week | |
| Station hand | ||
| To find own horseClause 33.1(a) | $9.63 a week | |
| To find own saddleClause 33.1(b) | $7.69 a week | |
| Combs and cutters allowanceClause 50.5(b)(iv) | $24.36 a week | |
| Allowance where sleeping quarters not provided, vehicle allowance, all employeesClause 52.3(b) | $1.00 a km | |
| Fares and travelling allowances for expeditionary employees | ||
| Motor vehicle expensesClause 53.1(a) | $1.00 a km | |
| Expenses other than fares, per dayClause 53.1(f) | $104.77 a day | |
| Expenses other than fares, per hour rateClause 53.1(g) | $4.36 an hour | |
| Shearers | ||
| Combs/cutters allowanceClause A.1.1 | $121.75 a week | |
| Handpiece paymentClause A.1.1 | $27.52 a week | |
| RationsClause A.1.1 | $79.78 a week | |
| Shearing industry allowanceClause A.1.1 | $287.77 a week | |
| Shed hands | ||
| RationsClause A.3.1 | $79.78 a week | |
| Shearing industry allowanceClause A.3.1 | $287.77 a week | |
| Woolpressers | ||
| RationsClause A.4 | $79.78 a week | |
| Shearing industry allowanceClause A.4 | $287.77 a week | |
| Shearing cooks, 69.58% of shearing industry allowanceClause A.5 | $200.23 a week | |
| Broadacre Farming and Livestock Operations - With Keep deductionClause B.2.1 | $165.86 a week | |
The award is the final word
These are the minimum rates the Fair Work Commission publishes for the award. Shift rules, rostering and who each classification covers are in the award itself, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay. Employees no award or agreement covers get the National Minimum Wage: $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
Questions people ask
- What is the minimum pay rate under the Pastoral Award?
- From 1 July 2026, the lowest adult rate is $893.99 a week, for Minimum rate, which is 84.56% of Shearer's minimum rate. The highest adult classification is $1,999.82 a week. Junior rates, further down, can be lower.
- How does the Pastoral Award minimum compare?
- Its lowest adult rate is $893.99 a week. Of the 25 awards that set weekly rates, 24 have a higher minimum.
- How much did Pastoral Award rates go up on 1 July 2026?
- The lowest adult rate rose 4.75%, from $853.46 to $893.99 a week, in the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. The table shows each classification's rate before and after.
- What is the casual loading under the Pastoral Award?
- 25% on top of the ordinary hourly rate, paid instead of leave entitlements.
- What are Sunday rates under the Pastoral Award?
- Full-time and part-time employees get 150% to 200% of the ordinary rate on Sunday. Public holidays are 200–250%. Casual rates are in the penalty tables above.
- What allowances are paid under the Pastoral Award?
- 37 allowances have a dollar amount set by the Commission, including a leading hand, in charge of, 11 to 20 employees of $50.50 a week, a leading hand, in charge of, 2 to 6 employees of $30.41 a week and a leading hand, in charge of, 7 to 10 employees of $35.43 a week. The full list, with the clause each comes from, is on this page.
- Where do these rates come from?
- The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database, which publishes every award's minimum rates; we read it when the Commission changes an award. The award itself prevails if the two ever differ, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay.
Source: Fair Work Commission, Modern Awards Pay Database, licensed CC BY 4.0, read 27 Oct 2026 and arranged by The Finance Algorithm. Not endorsed by the Fair Work Commission. Read with the award: if they differ, the award prevails. General information, not legal or payroll advice.