Agricultural Worker Minimum Wage Calculator

Agricultural workers in England are covered by the Agricultural Wages Orders, which set minimum pay rates based on grade. The National Living Wage (for ages 21+) is currently £12.71 per hour and applies as a minimum for all agricultural workers. Some older Agricultural Wages Orders set higher rates for specialist grades.

Workers are entitled to overtime, holiday pay (5.6 weeks per year), sick pay and accommodation offsets where housing is provided by the employer. In Wales, the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales sets separate minimum rates, and in Scotland, minimum rates are aligned with the National Minimum/Living Wage.

This calculator works out weekly and monthly gross pay based on hours worked, grade and any overtime. It also calculates holiday pay entitlement and shows the employer's NI and pension auto-enrolment contributions on top of the gross wage.

UK agricultural worker wages 2026. Since AWB abolition 2013 (England), agricultural workers paid at National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates: 25+ £12.21/hour (NLW); 21-24 £10.00/hour; 18-20 £7.55/hour; 16-17 £5.40/hour. Scotland and Wales retain Agricultural Wages Boards with similar rates plus tiered grades (Grade 1 NMW, Grade 2 +5%, Grade 3 +10%, etc.). Northern Ireland has separate Agricultural Wages Board.

Scottish Agricultural Wages 2026. Grade 1 (entry-level): £12.21/hour (matches NLW). Grade 2 (experienced general worker): £12.93. Grade 3 (skilled, shepherds, dairy workers): £13.92. Grade 4 (supervisor): £14.74. Grade 5 (manager): £15.99. Sick pay: 13 weeks full pay (above SSP). Bereavement leave: 5 days. Annual holiday: 31 days (above 28 statutory). Sets stronger floor than NMW alone.

Welsh Agricultural Wages 2026. Grade A1 (basic): £12.21/hour matching NLW. Grade A2 (skilled): £12.93. Grade A3 (lead worker): £14.07. Stockman/Shepherd: £14.07-£15.10. Farm Manager: £18-£25+/hour negotiated. Tied accommodation: deduction allowed (max £10.50/day in Wales 2026). Birds and Animals Stockperson supplement: £8.50/week. Wage Order updated annually — check Welsh Govt website.

Seasonal Worker Visa 2026. Up to 6 months UK work for fruit/veg/poultry/pork. Quota 2026: 45,000 places (down from 55,000 in 2024). Pay: £12.21/hour minimum (NLW), 32 hours/week guaranteed. Sponsor: licensed operator (Concordia, Pro-Force, Fruitful Jobs). Application fee: £321 + IHS £776. Cannot extend, cannot switch to long-term work visa. Worker pays for own flights and may pay accommodation up to £8.50/day deduction.

Farm payroll considerations. Employer NI 15% above £5,000/year per employee (raised April 2025). Auto-enrolment pension: 3% employer + 5% employee. Holiday pay: 5.6 weeks/year statutory (or 28 days). Tied accommodation: must be habitable (BS 5837 fitness standards), max deduction £10.50/day (Wales) or £56/week (England under Accommodation Offset). Statutory Sick Pay £116.75/week from day 4 illness. Farm-specific: Working Time Regulations apply but agricultural derogations for certain seasonal work.