An orchard group in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia is hiring fruit pickers for the apple, pear, and stone-fruit season. The role is casual with full-time hours during peak weeks. Pickers work day shifts that start at sunrise and adjust with the weather. The farm pays both an hourly rate and a piece rate, so fast pickers earn more. The hourly base sits between AUD 29 and AUD 33, which matches the current market average for horticulture work in Victoria. Strong pickers on piece rate often reach AUD 35 or more per hour.
This post focuses on what you actually take home, because pay is the first question most pickers ask. The farm pays you per bin on piece-rate days and guarantees the award minimum on slow days. You collect fruit into a harness bag, empty it into bins, and keep your count high without bruising the fruit. The work is seasonal, so you can line up several months of steady income across the harvest window.
Company Overview
The hiring company runs several orchards across the Goulburn Valley, one of the largest fruit-growing regions in Australia. It supplies fresh apples and pears to domestic shops and export buyers. The business hires large seasonal crews each year and runs an organised payroll with weekly pay. Field managers track each picker’s bin count fairly and post daily tallies. The setting is open orchard country with cooler mornings and warm afternoons.
Responsibilities
- Pick apples, pears, and stone fruit by hand at the correct size and colour.
- Handle fruit with care to avoid bruising and stem damage.
- Fill picking bags and empty them into bins without dropping fruit.
- Move ladders and reach upper branches safely.
- Record your bin count with the field supervisor.
- Keep rows tidy and report any pest or disease signs.
- Load full bins onto trailers for transport to the packing shed.
Qualifications and Requirements
- No experience or qualifications required; the farm shows you the picking method.
- Fitness to climb ladders, reach overhead, and carry a full bag.
- Basic English for safety and counting instructions.
- Valid Australian work rights, such as a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462).
- Steady hands and an eye for ripe, market-ready fruit.
- Availability for the full harvest window where possible.
Benefits and Perks
- Hourly base of AUD 29 to AUD 33, with piece-rate pay on top.
- Fast pickers earn well above the base on busy days.
- Weekly pay and clear daily bin tallies.
- Regional work that can count toward a working holiday visa extension.
- Help with finding nearby hostels and shared housing.
- Free training on picking technique and fruit grading.
- Friendly, multicultural crews each season.
How to Apply
Send your updated CV to the employer through the official job listing. Mention your visa type, your available start date, and whether you want piece-rate or hourly work. Early applicants get the best shot at peak-season hours.
Posting Details
Posted on 6 June 2026. Apply before 6 July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can fruit pickers earn in Victoria, Australia? The hourly base runs about AUD 29 to AUD 33, the current market average. On piece rate, quick pickers often earn AUD 35 per hour or more.
Do I need a visa to pick fruit in Australia? Yes. You need valid work rights, and a Working Holiday visa is the most common path. Regional fruit work can also help you qualify for a second-year visa.
Is fruit picking hard for beginners? It is physical, but the farm trains you. Most beginners build speed within the first week.