Dairy farm jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship, plus livestock and station work, offer something fruit picking rarely does: year-round employment and, for skilled workers, a realistic pathway to permanent residence through regional visas.
Farm hands are not on the Core Skills Occupation List, but experienced farm managers and some livestock roles can be sponsored through the 482 or regional 494 where the occupation qualifies, through regional DAMAs (which include farm occupations), or through the Pastoral or Dairy Industry labour agreements where available. Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens can also join long-term PALM placements of one to four years.
🌍 More Available Jobs
This guide covers roles, pay, visas, employers and PR. See also Seasonal Farm Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship 2026 – Seasonal Worker Visa, £12.71 Pay and Approved Scheme Operators and Meat Processing Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship – Meat Industry Labour Agreement, Pay and PR.
In this guide
Livestock Farm Worker Jobs in Australia at a Glance
| Role | Country | Typical pay | Visa / permit route | Key requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy farm hand | Australia | Award rates | PALM long-term / Working Holiday | Experience helps | Pacific workers, backpackers |
| Herd manager / farm manager | Australia | A$79,423+ (sponsored) | 482 / 494 / DAMA | Experience + assessment | Experienced farmers |
| Station hand | Australia | Award rates | Working Holiday / DAMA | Horse/bike skills | Remote work |
1. Types of Livestock Farm Worker Jobs in Australia
These are the main livestock farm worker roles employers advertise in Australia, from entry level to roles that may qualify for sponsorship.
Dairy farm hand
Milking, calf rearing and herd health in Victoria, Tasmania and south-west WA.
Herd manager
Running milking programs and staff.
Station hand
Cattle work, fencing and water runs in QLD, NT and WA.
Shearer and wool handler
Seasonal sheep work.
Farm manager
Budgets, staff and compliance — the most sponsorable role.
2. Livestock Farm Worker Salary in Australia for 2026
Most livestock and dairy workers are covered by the Pastoral Award, with the A$26.44 National Minimum Wage floor from 1 July 2026. Sponsored roles must meet the visa’s income threshold or labour agreement terms.
| Level | Hourly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm hand | A$26.44–A$29 | A$52,000–A$58,000 | Award based |
| Experienced station hand | A$28–A$33 | A$58,000–A$68,000 | Housing often provided |
| Herd / farm manager | — | A$79,423–A$110,000 | Sponsored roles meet threshold |
Sources: Fair Work Pastoral Award pay guide and minimum wages (1 July 2026); Home Affairs salary requirements.
3. Work Visas for Foreign Livestock Farm Workers in Australia – Visa Types
Visa options:
| Visa / route | Who it’s for | Employer needed? | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Regional skilled roles | Yes | Official page |
| 482 Skills in Demand / DAMA | Eligible farm occupations or DAMA regions | Yes | Official page |
| PALM long-term (403) | Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens, 1–4 years | Yes | Official page |
| Working Holiday 417/462 | Farm work counts as specified work | No | Official page |
4. Companies Offering Visa Sponsored Livestock Farm Worker Jobs – Where to Check Vacancies
Agricultural employers (no claim of current vacancies or sponsorship):
| Employer | What they do | Official careers page |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Agricultural Company | Cattle stations | aaco.com.au |
| Consolidated Pastoral Company | Cattle stations | www.pastoral.com |
| Fonterra Australia | Dairy | www.fonterra.com |
| Saputo Dairy Australia | Dairy processing and farms | www.saputo.com |
| Select Harvests | Agriculture | www.selectharvests.com.au/careers |
Australian employers must be approved sponsors before nominating you. Ask the employer to confirm its sponsorship status in writing and check the business on ABN Lookup.
5. Employment Agencies to Find Opportunities – International Recruitment
These recruitment agencies and official job boards are real and verifiable. Contact them only through the websites below; we list websites rather than phone numbers because official sites always carry the latest office contacts.
| Agency / service | Focus | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| PALM scheme | Pacific worker recruitment | www.palmscheme.gov.au |
| Workforce Australia | Government job board | www.workforceaustralia.gov.au |
| Programmed | Agriculture labour hire | www.programmed.com.au |
| Dairy Australia | Industry careers information | www.dairyaustralia.com.au |
Legitimate agencies are paid by employers. In Australia, charging a worker for sponsorship or a job offer is unlawful, and labour-hire firms in several states must be licensed.
6. Requirements and Documents for Livestock Farm Worker Visa Applications
- Valid passport.
- Nomination TRN from your approved sponsor (employer-sponsored visas).
- Employment references showing dates, hours, duties and pay, plus payslips.
- Skills assessment where required (e.g. TRA or VETASSESS).
- English test results meeting Home Affairs requirements.
- Health examinations and police certificates (character requirement).
- Health insurance for 482 and 494 visas (condition 8501).
- References detailing herd size, milking systems and machinery you have operated.
Visa charges rose around 25% for employer-sponsored visas on 1 July 2026 — check the official pricing estimator.
7. Steps to Get Livestock Farm Worker Visa Sponsorship and How to Apply
- Check the occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List or a labour agreement.
- Check the pay: from 1 July 2026 a 482 Core Skills nomination needs at least A$79,423 or the market rate, whichever is higher (salary requirements).
- Complete your skills assessment and English test early.
- Apply to real employers through official careers pages, Workforce Australia or named agencies.
- Employer is approved as a sponsor and lodges your nomination.
- Lodge your visa in ImmiAccount with the nomination TRN.
- Complete health checks and biometrics; do not resign or travel before the grant.
- Check your work rights in VEVO after the grant.
8. Permanent Residence Pathways for Livestock Farm Workers in Australia
The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is the main employer-sponsored PR visa. Skilled farm workers on a 494 can apply for the 191 after three years living and working regionally; some DAMAs include a 186 pathway.
| Pathway | Key requirement | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| 482 → 186 Temporary Residence Transition | 2 years with your sponsor in the last 3 years | Subclass 186 |
| 186 Direct Entry | Skills assessment + 3 years’ experience | Subclass 186 |
| 494 → 191 | 3 years living and working regionally | Subclass 191 |
| 189 / 190 / 491 skilled visas | Points-tested; 190/491 need state nomination | Subclass 190 |
| Labour agreement → 186 | Only if the agreement includes PR | Labour agreements |
9. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Use this checklist to confirm you can meet the rules for livestock farm worker roles before you apply:
- Experience in dairy or livestock for sponsored roles.
- Skills assessment where required.
- English test results (DAMA concessions may apply).
- Driver’s licence and machinery skills.
- Willingness to live rurally.
10. Applying at the Embassy – Work Visa Verification and Embassy Contacts
Australian work visas are lodged online; there is no visa label. Your grant letter and VEVO record are your proof.
- Department of Home Affairs: 6 Chan Street, Belconnen ACT 2617; 131 881 in Australia, +61 2 6196 0196 from overseas (official page).
- Australian embassies: DFAT missions directory.
- Verify a visa in VEVO.
- Verify an employer on ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov.au) and via its official website.
- Verify a migration agent on the OMARA register.
- Report scams to Scamwatch and underpayment to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
11. Mistakes to Avoid During the Process – Immigration Errors
- Paying anyone for a job offer, sponsorship or nomination — this is unlawful.
- Choosing an occupation code that doesn’t match your real duties.
- Lodging before your skills assessment or English test is ready.
- Working outside your visa conditions or staying unsponsored for more than 180 days.
- Accepting housing deductions not agreed in writing.
12. Settlement Benefits and Relocation Planning
Sponsored workers earn at least the award or nominated salary plus 12% superannuation. The National Minimum Wage is A$26.44/hour from 1 July 2026. Partners can usually work, children can attend school, and Medicare is available on PR (or earlier under a reciprocal agreement).
| First-month cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge | Check Home Affairs | Employer pays nomination and levy |
| Overseas Visitor Health Cover | Compare on privatehealth.gov.au | Required on 482/494 |
| Rental bond | Often 4 weeks’ rent | Lodged with the state bond authority |
| TFN, bank, SIM | Free / low cost | TFN via ato.gov.au |
Official Websites to Apply for Sponsorship Visas
- Skills in Demand visa (482)
- Regional visa (494)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
- ImmiAccount
- Workforce Australia
- PALM scheme
FAQs: Livestock Farm Worker Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship
Can dairy farms sponsor workers in Australia?
Yes, for eligible skilled roles through the 482, 494, a DAMA or a labour agreement. Farm hands usually come through PALM or Working Holiday visas.
How much do dairy farm workers earn?
Adult minimum pay is A$26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026. Experienced herd managers can earn A$80,000 or more.
Is accommodation provided?
Often on remote stations and some dairy farms, sometimes with lawful agreed deductions.
Does station work count for a second Working Holiday visa?
Yes, plant and animal cultivation in regional Australia counts as specified work.
What is the PR pathway?
494 holders can apply for the 191 after three years; 482 holders may use the 186.
What is PALM long-term?
Placements of one to four years for Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens with approved employers.
Which states have most dairy jobs?
Victoria, Tasmania, south-west WA and parts of NSW and SA.
How do I avoid scams?
Never pay for jobs, check ABNs and report problems to Fair Work.
Conclusion
Dairy farm jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship suit experienced farm workers who want year-round work and a regional PR pathway. Target 494 and DAMA employers, verify pay against the Pastoral Award and keep detailed references.
Next, read Farm Worker Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners 2026, or browse all Agriculture & Farm guides and Jobs in Australia.
Disclaimer: ConvertKind Jobs publishes independent career guides. We are not an employer, recruiter, immigration adviser or law firm, and we never charge fees. Nothing here guarantees a job, sponsorship or visa. Rules, salary thresholds and fees change often, so always confirm on the official government website before you apply.