Pay increase for agricultural workers from April 2026
New minimum wage rates for agricultural workers from 1 April 2026 have been announced by the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB).
The AWB for Northern Ireland has confirmed the increase in minimum wage rates for agricultural workers for all grades from 1 April 2026.
New minimum wage rates for agricultural workers from 1 April 2026
Grade 1 - Agricultural trainee
- Under 18 years old - £8.00 per hour
- 18-20 years old - £10.85 per hour
- 21 years old and above - £12.71 per hour
Grade 2 - Standard agricultural worker
- £13.30 per hour
Grade 3 - Lead skilled agricultural worker
- £13.66 per hour
Grade 4 - Agricultural multi-skilled worker
- £13.89 per hour
Grade 5 - Agricultural manager
- £14.44 per hour
From 1 April 2026, overtime will be paid at the same hourly rate as normal working hours. Other overtime rates will be subject to contractual agreement between the employer/employee.
Should the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage, as applicable, become higher than the hourly rates set out above, then the hourly or other minimum rate will default to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, whichever applies.
Accommodation offset
The accommodation offset will be increased to £60.00 per week from 1 April 2026.
The AWB has confirmed these changes to pay for agricultural workers.
Pay increase for agricultural workers.
First published 19 March 2026