Horticulture Award Allowances 2025–26
Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000028
Allowances under the Horticulture Award are extra payments for specific conditions, skills, or expenses. They are one of the most commonly missed entitlements after penalty rates.
Current allowances
| Allowance | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| First aid allowance (all-purpose) | $0.33 per hour | If you hold a current first aid certificate and your employer has appointed you as the person responsible for first aid, you receive $0.33 per hour as an all-purpose allowance. This is added to your base rate before casual loading and penalty rates are applied. |
| Leading hand allowance — in charge of 2 to 6 employees (all-purpose) | $0.76 per hour | If you are directed by management to be in charge of 2 to 6 employees, you receive $0.76 per hour as an all-purpose allowance. Added to base rate before casual loading, penalty rates, and overtime. |
| Leading hand allowance — in charge of 7 to 10 employees (all-purpose) | $0.88 per hour | If you are directed by management to be in charge of 7 to 10 employees, you receive $0.88 per hour as an all-purpose allowance. Added to base rate before casual loading, penalty rates, and overtime. |
| Leading hand allowance — in charge of 11 to 20 employees (all-purpose) | $1.25 per hour | If you are directed by management to be in charge of 11 to 20 employees, you receive $1.25 per hour as an all-purpose allowance. Added to base rate before casual loading, penalty rates, and overtime. |
| Leading hand allowance — in charge of 21+ employees (all-purpose) | $1.58 per hour | If you are directed by management to be in charge of more than 20 employees, you receive $1.58 per hour as an all-purpose allowance. Added to base rate before casual loading, penalty rates, and overtime. |
| Wet work allowance (all-purpose) | $2.50 per hour | If you regularly work in wet conditions (e.g. harvesting in rain, washing and packing produce, or working with water-based chemicals), you receive $2.50 per hour as an all-purpose allowance. Added to base rate before casual loading, penalty rates, and overtime. |
| Meal allowance | $16.03 per meal | If you are required to work overtime, you are entitled to a meal allowance of $16.03 per meal period during overtime. |
| Accommodation reimbursement | $0.00 per night | If your employer requires you to stay away from home overnight for work, you are entitled to reimbursement of the demonstrable cost of suitable accommodation. |
| Tool and equipment reimbursement | $0.00 | If your employer requires you to use your own tools or equipment, you are entitled to reimbursement of the cost of those tools and equipment. |
| Travelling time allowance | $0.00 | If your employer requires you to travel to a different work location, you are entitled to payment at your appropriate rate for the time spent travelling. |
See also: Pay rates | Allowances & loadings guide
Source: Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000028, effective 1 July 2025.
Not sure if your Horticulture Award pay is right?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required