Farm worker pay growth has levelled off in the last few years, after a post-pandemic period of rapid growth, a new report shows.
The 2026 Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report shows the average salary for a farm worker increased by NZD 1,367 to NZD 72,778, or a weighted average rise of three percent across 13 job positions.
"For some of those roles, the increases have been higher," Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Karl Dean said.
"For example, the average salary for a dairy farm assistant - the most common position on a dairy farm, rose to NZD 63,359 this year, a rise of five percent. Wages for an arable farm machinery operator jumped a massive 30 percent to NZD 82,651," added Dean.
The moderation in farm worker pay rises in the last two years is consistent with broader labour market trends, with wage growth across the economy typically 2-2.4 percent annually.
"Keep in mind, too, that average annual salaries in our sector jumped 13 percent between 2022 and 2024, with a weighted average rise of 17 percent for sheep and beef farm roles," Dean said.
This is the 15 th farming salaries report Federated Farmers and Rabobank have produced, this time collating results from a survey of 427 farm employers in early 2026.
The findings cover data relating to nearly 1,500 employees across 13 positions, ranging from dairy farm assistant to arable farm managers.
Bruce Weir, Rabobank General Manager for Country Banking, said the report highlights slightly stronger growth in Total Package Values (TPV) for farm employees.
"The salary figures don’t include the range of other benefits provided to farm employees, which can include things like vehicle usage, meat, firewood, phone and power allowances," he said.
"For many farm employees, those extras can add up to several thousand dollars a year. Overall, the weighted average TPV across all farm employees lifted five percent to NZD 77,030, nearly NZD 4,252 more than the average salary."
Despite the relatively modest lift in salaries and TPV over the last two years, Weir said the sector’s recent strong performance makes it an attractive option for young Kiwis.
"The agri sector has performed really strongly over the last 18 months and has been the shining light of the New Zealand economy," he said.
"The sector’s long-term outlook remains positive, and the strong investment we’re currently seeing should flow through to new job opportunities in the years ahead."
However, Weir said ongoing salary growth is also essential to ensure the sector continues to entice the next generation into agri careers.
"Remuneration matters to young people, and attracting strong talent will depend on on-farm salaries keeping up with, or surpassing, the wider employment market."
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