Best Paying Farm & Rural Jobs for Backpackers in Australia (2026 Guide)
Looking for high-paying farm work in Australia? Discover the best rural jobs for backpackers, realistic pay rates, and which roles count toward your 88 days.
If you’re doing your 88 days in Australia, you don’t just want any job.
You want:
Good pay
Fair hours
Accommodation options
Work that actually counts toward your visa
The truth? Some regional jobs pay significantly more than others — especially if you choose wisely.
Here’s a breakdown of the best paying rural jobs for backpackers in Australia, what they realistically earn, and what to expect.
Construction (Regional Areas Only)
💰 $30–$45 per hour
If you have:
Basic labouring experience
A White Card
Good physical fitness
Construction in eligible regional areas can be one of the highest-paying 88-day options.
Typical roles:
General labourer
Traffic control
Civil construction
Infrastructure projects
Many construction roles count toward 88 days if located in approved regional postcodes under:
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
⚠️ Note: Not all metro construction counts — postcode matters.
Cattle Stations & Livestock Work
💰 $28–$38 per hour (often with accommodation included)
Working on remote cattle stations can offer:
Higher hourly rates
Long work weeks (more income)
Accommodation included
Meals sometimes provided
Duties may include:
Feeding livestock
Fencing
Machinery operation
Yard work
It’s physically demanding — but financially rewarding.
Fruit Picking (Peak Season)
💰 $27–$35 per hour (or piece rate equivalent)
Fruit picking is the most common 88-day job.
Pay varies depending on:
Crop type
Season
Output speed
Whether you’re on hourly or piece rate
Top earning crops:
Cherries
Blueberries
Grapes
Mangoes
⚠️ Be cautious with piece rate. Ensure it allows you to reasonably earn minimum wage.
Roadhouses & Remote Hospitality (Northern Australia)
💰 $27–$34 per hour
If located in eligible northern regions, hospitality jobs can count toward 88 days.
Roles:
Bar staff
Kitchen hand
All-rounder
Reception
These roles often include:
Subsidised accommodation
Long shifts
Overtime pay
They’re popular because they’re less physically intense than farm labour.
Mining Support & Regional Trades Assistant Roles
💰 $35–$50 per hour (limited availability)
Some regional trade assistant or support roles in mining-adjacent areas can qualify if they meet postcode and industry requirements.
These are harder to secure but can be very lucrative.
Often require:
Relevant tickets
Previous experience
Ability to pass drug testing
What Affects Your Earning Potential?
Your income will depend on:
Whether you're paid hourly or piece rate
Overtime availability
Accommodation costs
Location remoteness
Your physical work capacity
Sometimes a lower hourly job with free accommodation results in higher net savings.
Which Jobs Count Toward 88 Days?
Not all high-paying jobs qualify.
To count:
The postcode must be approved
The industry must be eligible
The work must be lawful and paid correctly
Always verify eligibility before starting.
How Much Can You Save During 88 Days?
Example scenario:
$30/hour
38 hours per week
12 weeks
Gross earnings ≈ $13,680
After tax and accommodation, many backpackers save between:
💰 $5,000 – $9,000 over 3 months
Choosing the right role makes a big difference.
How to Find High-Paying Rural Jobs Safely
Instead of relying on:
Random Facebook posts
WhatsApp groups
Word-of-mouth
Look for jobs that clearly show:
Pay rate
Location
Accommodation details
Whether they qualify for 88 days
Transparency is key.
👉 Browse high-paying regional jobs here: www.app.ruralink.au
The best 88-day job isn’t just about hourly pay.
It’s about:
Legal eligibility
Fair wages
Accommodation costs
Safety
Reliable employers