So you’ve thought all the hard work was getting a fruit picking job? Well that’s just the beginning, as reported by the age, experienced fruit picker Rick Barry is no stranger to hard work.
Then again he’s always off by 2pm…. so what’s he’s secret?
Long Hours
Employers said Rick is one of the hardest workers in the Sunraysia citrus industry, regualrly working about 60 hours a week in local orchards. A standard working week from Irymple, near M lasts is from Sunday to Friday, 6 days! I wonder if he gets down to the pub on a saturday?
Early Mornings
If you want to make money the working day starts early, very early. At the peak of the summer heat from late December on, work can start as early as 4am!
It’s definitely still dark outside, but equipped with a light the fruit picker is able to exceed and excel. Mr Barry was quoted saying “During the hot weather I probably start at 4 o’clock in the morning. I have a little head light that I use,”. *courtesy of the age
Stress Free
“It’s stress-free. You can start when you want, you can finish when you want. There’s no-one on your back,” he says.
Everyones always complaing about their job Barry says “If you’re a police officer you can get shot at, if you’re a taxi driver you can get punched. The worst thing that happens fruit pickers is that you get scratched by a tree branch, that’s pretty much it,”
“Fruit Picking is stress-free. You can start when you want, you can finish when you want. There’s no-one on your back,” he says.
Earning the Employers Respect
Reports from past employers live up to Ricks reputation “He’s a fantastic picker. And if our industry was filled with people like Rick, their would never be issues like stems in the bins, which can then puncture the fruit. He’s a fantastic clean picker, he cleans the trees and he picks good, clean fruit, that’s what you want”
The Numbers
So how much cash is our mate Rick taking home? He is paid for each bin load he picks, recently for 60 hours he worked in the week he earned $2250, that’s an average of $37.50 per hour before tax… wowie!
Rick regularly averages about $1500 a week in pay. But in bigger weeks, when the picking is at its best, his weekly pay as mentioned above can exceed $2000.
How much have you been paid for your fruit picking job? Do you know someone who’s getting paid more than Rick Barry? Or someone who’s been scammed? Feel free to share your story with everyone.
This article originally appeared in the age newspaper.
If you enjoyed reading that you may also like,
My Mildura Nightmare
Backpackers scammed by Suspect Operator
Backpackers Leave Their Money for Australian Government
If you’re looking for a job check the job board and if you have a story to tell send it through.
2 Responses to “Gun Fruit Picker Regularly Makes $2000 A Week”
Rachel Ip
We are two girls, outgoing guy from Hong Kong and We are looking for any kind of farm work in Western Australia. We have done some farm works before, such as fruit picking and planting for 2 months in Shepparton, Bundabery. Furthermore We are working as a packer of vegetables in Perth, so We are very used to hardwork and not afraid of working outside. Also, One girl has the car licence.
If you are looking for a reliable, hardworking person for planting, picking or any other kind of general farm duties, please do not hesitate to call or text me (0434394412)
Dimitri
G’day Rachel,
Thanks for your message but probably not the best medium. Can you please check the fruit picking job board, it’s the best place to apply and reach out to employers.