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Looking for cattle farm worker jobs in Australia? This 2026 guide covers the honest local currency salary bands, day-to-day duties and the free step-by-step apply process.
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Cattle Farm Worker jobs in Australia are hiring across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Employers on the licensed hiring list keep replacing crews as 2-year contracts end, and openings refresh continuously. Freshers are welcome at entry grades — on-the-job training is provided in the first two weeks — and applicants with prior related experience move up to skilled and supervisor grades that earn a clear premium over the entry-level base.
The real value of a Australia cattle farm worker role is the benefits stack sitting on top of the base pay. Most employers provide pay under the National Minimum Wage Order or the applicable Modern Award, superannuation, Medicare and paid leave — so a large share of your monthly salary is take-home. On a full-length contract you also get paid overtime, weekend and public-holiday premiums where applicable, plus a documented promotion path from entry-level to team leader and site supervisor. Openings are steady all year, driven by Australia’s ongoing skills shortage in trades, hospitality and agriculture — not just seasonal spikes — so serious applicants with ready documents can slot in within weeks.
The visa route is straightforward: your Australia employer files the Australian TSS 482 / SESR 494 / ENS 186 work visa under your name via Department of Home Affairs, sponsors the pre-visa health check and issues the entry document. From offer letter to landing typically takes 6 – 10 weeks. Documents required: valid passport (24+ months), police clearance, medical fitness and a clean English CV. The employer covers the full recruitment cost end-to-end — genuine Australia employers never ask for an up-front “job” or “visa” fee before a signed written offer, so treat any such request as a red flag and walk away.
📍 Australia Cattle Farm Jobs 2026
Cattle Farm Worker Jobs in Australia – Salary, Duties & Apply Process
Cattle farm workers in Australia work with beef herds across large cattle stations in Queensland, the Northern Territory, WA and NSW as well as feedlots in Queensland and Riverina. Tasks include mustering, drafting, feeding, yard work and general station maintenance. It is physically demanding outdoor work with on-farm accommodation and meals often included, and a clear path from station hand to overseer and station manager. This guide covers salary, duties, visas and how to apply.
📌 Quick Summary – Cattle Farm Worker Job Australia
| Job Role | Cattle Farm Worker / Station Hand / Yard Hand / Livestock Handler / Feedlot Operator |
| Location | Australia 🇦🇺 |
| Industry | Agriculture / Livestock / Beef Cattle Production |
| Experience | Entry-level applicants welcome; relevant experience helps |
| Job Type | Full-Time / ongoing roster with overtime where offered |
| Hourly Pay | AUD 28–36 per hour |
| Visa | 417/462 Working Holiday and 482 sponsored workers |
| Hiring Status | ✅ Active – Hiring across Australia in 2026 |
🔥 Why Apply Now – 2026 Hiring Demand
Australia has steady demand for cattle farm worker roles in 2026. Beef cattle stations across Queensland, the NT and WA run year-round with mustering seasons, drafting, weaning and feedlot rotations, so demand for station hands, yard workers and feedlot operators stays steady through the year.
Cattle Farm Worker Salary in Australia 2026
📌 Overtime, weekend penalty rates and shift allowances can apply on top, depending on the employer.
Salary Breakdown – Hourly, Weekly & Monthly
| Experience Level | Hourly | Weekly (38hr) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry / Station Hand | AUD 28–30/hr | AUD 1,060–1,140 | AUD 4,610–4,940 |
| Experienced / Livestock Handler | AUD 30–33/hr | AUD 1,140–1,250 | AUD 4,940–5,440 |
| Head Stockman / Feedlot Operator | AUD 33–36/hr | AUD 1,250–1,370 | AUD 5,440–5,940 |
| With Overtime / Penalty | AUD 54+/hr | + weekend/OT | + allowances |
Quick Job Details
| Job Role | Cattle Farm Worker / Station Hand / Yard Hand / Livestock Handler / Feedlot Operator |
| Location | Cattle regions — Queensland, the Northern Territory, WA Kimberley, NSW northern tablelands and feedlots in QLD & the Riverina |
| Hourly Rate | AUD 28–36 per hour |
| Monthly | AUD 4,610 – 5,940 per month |
| Education | No degree required; basic English helpful |
| Experience | Entry-level applicants welcome; relevant experience helps |
| Job Type | Full-Time / ongoing roster with overtime where offered |
| Visa | 417/462 Working Holiday and 482 sponsored workers |
🛂 Work Visa for Australia – Cattle Farm Worker
This is a HIGH-demand topic — many applicants search “Australia work visa cattle farm worker” before applying. Here are the main routes:
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday (417 / 462) | Workers aged 18–35 from eligible countries | Eligible passport + sufficient funds |
| Skills in Demand Visa (482) | Employer-sponsored cattle farm worker workers | Employer nomination + work experience |
| Seasonal Worker / PALM | Approved Pacific & Timor-Leste workers | Approved employer placement |
| Skilled Regional (491 / 494) | Skilled cattle farm worker roles in regional areas | State/employer nomination |
🌏 Can Foreign Workers Apply for Cattle Farm Worker Jobs in Australia?
Yes — foreign workers can apply. 417/462 working holiday workers and 482 sponsored hands are common routes into this role. Here is what applicants need to know:
✅ What Works in Your Favour
- 🐮 Steady outdoor work with the herd
- 🏠 On-farm accommodation and meals often included
- Working Holiday specified work counts
- On-station training for new hands
- Feedlot, yard and stockman pathways
- Demand across QLD, NT, WA, NSW & SA
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
- Never pay agents for Australia jobs/visas
- Verify the station is a genuine beef operator
- Remote sites mean limited service and long stints
- Confirm accommodation and meal deductions (if any)
- Confirm roster (5&2 vs 10&4) in writing
- Check pay slips and superannuation
📋 Requirements for Foreign Workers – Cattle Farm Worker Job Australia
Meeting these improves your chances significantly:
| Requirement | Details | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Visa with Work Rights | Working Holiday, 482 sponsorship or PR | ✅ Yes |
| Physical Fitness | Yard work, lifting and long days | ✅ Yes |
| Outdoor Stamina | Heat, dust, remote sites | ✅ Yes |
| Manual Driver Licence | Required for most station roles | Recommended |
| Horse-Riding / Motorbike | Handy for mustering roles | Recommended |
| Livestock Experience | Any cattle, sheep or horse background | Recommended |
| Age | 18+ years | ✅ Yes |
Real-Life Daily Duties of a Cattle Farm Worker in Australia
Here is what a real shift looks like — the actual tasks you will do:
| Task | What You Actually Do |
|---|---|
| 🌅 Pre-Start | Roll call, feed the horses / bikes and plan the day |
| 🐎 Mustering | Move cattle by horse, motorbike, ute or chopper |
| 🐮 Drafting | Sort cattle in the yards by age, weight and sex |
| 🌾 Feeding | Feed silage, hay and grain in the feedlot or paddock |
| 💉 Herd Health | Assist with vaccinations, tagging and drenching |
| 🚜 Yard Work | Fence repair, water troughs and yard maintenance |
| 🐂 Weaning | Wean calves and separate herds as needed |
| 📋 End of Day | Feed and water horses, close gates and log the day |
💡 Pro Tip: Stand Out in Your Application
Avoid these common mistakes and your chances nearly double:
✅ What to Do
- Show any livestock, horse or farm experience
- Be clear you can work remote sites for long stints
- Apply to stations and feedlots directly
- Mention your manual driver licence and any bike skills
- Pass the trial week and show steady effort
❌ What to Avoid
- Never pay agents for “guaranteed” station work
- Don’t apply without checking the station is genuine
- Avoid generic resumes — mention livestock
- Don’t accept unclear roster or big meal deductions
- Never start paid work without an agreed rate
Cattle Farm Worker vs Other Australia Jobs – Quick Comparison
Compare this role with similar entry-friendly jobs:
| Job Role | Hourly Pay | Difficulty | Visa Friendly | Physical Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🐮 Cattle Farm Worker | AUD 28–36 | Medium | ✅ Yes | High |
| 🐄 Dairy Farm Worker | AUD 27–34 | Medium | ✅ Yes | High |
| 🐑 Sheep Farm Worker | AUD 26–32 | Medium | ✅ Yes | Medium |
| 🐎 Horse Stud Farm Worker | AUD 27–33 | Medium | ✅ Yes | Medium |
| 🐐 Goat Farm Worker | AUD 25–31 | Low | ✅ Yes | Medium |
Skills That Improve Selection
Official Job Portal Links – Apply Direct
Only apply through trusted portals and employer pages. Never pay anyone to apply.
| Portal / Source | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| SEEK | Australia’s #1 job board — set alerts for cattle station & feedlot work |
| Indeed Australia | Largest job aggregator — apply & set alerts |
| Jora Australia | Aggregates cattle, station and livestock listings |
| Workforce Australia | Official Australian Government jobs portal |
| Backpacker Job Board | Australia’s top backpacker station & livestock jobs |
| LinkedIn Jobs | Direct employer & recruiter postings |
How to Apply – Step by Step
- 1Prepare Your Documents Passport, any licences or certificates and a simple local-style resume with relevant experience.
- 2Build a Strong Resume / Profile Highlight experience, availability and any relevant background. Keep it to 1 page.
- 3Search & Apply Online Use the trusted portals above and direct employer pages.
- 4Phone / Video Interview or Screening Expect questions about availability, experience and why you want the role.
- 5Verify Your Offer & Visa Check pay, the contract and your visa eligibility. Never start paid work without a signed agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for cattle farm workers in Australia 2026?
Entry station hands earn about AUD 28–30/hour; experienced livestock handlers and feedlot operators earn AUD 33–36/hr or more, plus overtime and often on-station accommodation and meals.
Do I need experience to work on a cattle station?
No — most stations train new hands, but any livestock, horse or farm background is a big advantage. A manual driver licence is highly recommended.
Is cattle farm work seasonal or year-round?
Cattle stations run year-round with a mustering season and feedlot rotations, so demand for station hands and yard workers is steady all year rather than being a single short season.
Which visa lets me do cattle station work in Australia?
Working Holiday (417/462) is the most common, and specified regional station work can count toward a second or third year. Experienced workers may be sponsored on a 482, and PALM placements are also available.
How do I avoid cattle station job scams?
Never pay an agent for a station job or visa, ignore “guaranteed” offers, confirm the station is a genuine beef operator, and apply only through trusted portals such as SEEK and Workforce Australia.
Apply for Cattle Farm Worker Jobs in Australia – AUD 28–36/Hour
Highlight your experience and availability. Apply only through trusted portals and employer pages. Verify the employer and your visa eligibility before accepting.