Part-time apple picking jobs UK for students – £11.61 to £14.50 per hour

Part-time apple picking jobs UK for students are becoming one of the most attractive options for flexible seasonal work. With pay rates ranging from £11.61 to £14.50 per hour, these roles are perfect for young people who want to earn money, gain work experience, and enjoy the outdoors.

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Apple picking is not just a job but also an experience. Students can work part time around studies, meet people from different backgrounds, and save money during the harvest season. This article explains what apple picking involves, why it is suited to students, how much they can earn, and how to apply.

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Why apple picking is popular among students

There are many reasons why part-time apple picking jobs UK for students have become so attractive:

Good hourly pay – £11.61 to £14.50 is above minimum wage and better than many retail or hospitality roles.
Flexible hours – Many farms allow part-time schedules that fit around study timetables.
No experience required – Training is provided, so students can start immediately.
Physical outdoor work – A healthy alternative to sitting indoors.
Short-term seasonal work – Ideal for autumn months when apples are harvested.

Understanding the work

Apple picking takes place in orchards, usually from September to October. The job includes:

Picking ripe apples carefully to avoid bruising
Sorting fruit by quality and size
Placing apples into crates or bins
Following safety and hygiene rules

Most farms use ladders, baskets, or picking poles. The work requires attention, balance, and stamina, but it is simple to learn.

Pay and earnings

The pay for part-time apple picking jobs UK for students is one of the strongest reasons to apply.

Hourly wage: £11.61 to £14.50
Daily earnings (4-hour shift): £46 to £58
Weekly earnings (15 hours): £174 to £217
Full harvest season (6 weeks): £1,000 to £1,300+

Some farms may offer piece-rate pay, meaning faster pickers can earn even more.

Best regions for apple picking

Students can find part-time apple picking jobs across the UK, with major orchards in:

Kent – Known as the Garden of England, famous for apples and pears.
Herefordshire – A leading cider-producing region with many large orchards.
Somerset – Home to both eating and cider apples.
Worcestershire – Famous for plums as well as apples.
Norfolk and Suffolk – Traditional fruit-growing areas with seasonal roles.

Many of these regions are within reach of universities, making part-time work realistic for students.

Accommodation and benefits

Unlike full-time seasonal workers, most students choose apple picking jobs close to home or university. However, some farms do provide basic accommodation if required. Benefits may include:

Free or subsidised housing
Transport between orchard and town
Discounted fruit or farm produce
Social activities with other pickers

Life as a student apple picker

A part-time apple picking job fits well into a student lifestyle. Shifts are often 3–5 hours long, either in the morning or afternoon, allowing time for lectures or study.

Students enjoy the outdoor work, the chance to earn quickly, and the physical exercise. Many describe it as less stressful than retail or hospitality jobs. Friendships are also formed with other pickers, creating a social atmosphere.

Advantages for students

Good pay – Higher than many part-time roles.
Flexible shifts – Fits around study schedules.
Short-term commitment – Only during harvest season.
Experience and references – Useful for CVs.
Extra income – Ideal for covering living costs, books, or travel.

Challenges to consider

Physical work – Involves bending, lifting, and carrying crates.
Weather – Work goes ahead in rain or cold autumn conditions.
Repetitive tasks – Picking apples for hours can become tiring.
Remote locations – Some orchards are far from student towns.

Students who prepare for these challenges usually find the job rewarding overall.

How to apply

Finding part-time apple picking jobs UK for students is straightforward:

Search online job boards – Indeed, StudentJob, and farm recruitment sites.
Check university noticeboards – Some farms advertise directly to students.
Contact local orchards – Many prefer to hire directly.
Apply early – September roles fill up quickly.

Most applications are simple and do not require a CV. A short form or phone call is often enough.

Earnings potential example

A student working 12 hours per week at £13/hour would earn:

Weekly: £156
6 weeks: £936

If working 20 hours per week at £14.50/hour:

Weekly: £290
6 weeks: £1,740

This shows how part-time apple picking can cover a big part of student living expenses in a short period.

Student success stories

A student in Kent said she earned £1,200 in five weeks, which covered her rent for the term.
A student in Hereford described apple picking as “the easiest job to combine with studies” because of flexible shifts.
An international student in Somerset worked weekends only and earned enough to pay for travel home at Christmas.

Tips for students

Wear suitable clothing – Waterproof jackets and strong shoes.
Bring gloves – Protects hands from scratches.
Stay hydrated – Even in autumn, work can be tiring.
Be reliable – Punctuality is valued by farms.
Work steadily – Consistency is more important than speed for beginners.

Long-term benefits

While part-time apple picking is seasonal, the experience is valuable. Students gain:

Teamwork and reliability skills
References from employers
Extra income without long commitments
A healthy lifestyle through outdoor work

Some students return each year, turning it into a regular source of seasonal income.

Conclusion

Part-time apple picking jobs UK for students provide flexible, seasonal work with strong pay of £11.61 to £14.50 per hour. They are ideal for covering living costs, gaining experience, and enjoying the outdoors. While the work is physical and sometimes challenging, the benefits of good wages, flexible shifts, and cultural exchange make apple picking one of the most appealing student jobs in Britain today.

For students seeking extra income without long-term commitments, apple picking is a smart and rewarding choice.