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 proposed to increase existing minimum wage rates for agricultural workers for all grades from 1 April 2026.
New proposed minimum wage rates for agricultural workers
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
Grade 3 – Lead skilled agricultural worker
Grade 4 – Agricultural multi-skilled worker
Grade 5 – Agricultural manager
It is also proposed that overtime will now 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 has been increased to £60.00 per week.
The AWB has confirmed these changes to pay for agricultural workers.
Pay increase for agricultural workers.
First published 19 March 2026
