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Apple Picking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LocumTenens

For something fun and unique, visit Apple Holler for apple picking, bakery treats, and seasonal activities! About the Clinician's Workday The diagnostic radiologist will provide on-site night shift ...

LocumTenens

For something fun and unique, visit Apple Holler for apple picking, bakery treats, and seasonal activities! About the Clinician's Workday The diagnostic radiologist will provide on-site night shift ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Baldwin, NY

Baldwin, NY · On-site

Regular team outings including pumpkin picking, apple picking, and arts and crafts The Facility * Newly renovated, stand-alone building with ample parking * Four exam rooms * Dedicated surgical suite ...

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Apple Picking information

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How much do apple picking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for apple picking in the United States is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apple picking job?

An apple picking job involves harvesting apples from orchards, typically during the fruit's peak season. Workers pick apples by hand, using ladders and baskets, ensuring they select ripe fruit without causing damage. The job may also include sorting, packing, and occasional tree maintenance. It requires physical endurance, as it involves standing, reaching, and carrying heavy loads. Many positions are seasonal and attract temporary workers, including students and travelers.

What is the typical workday like for an apple picking job?

A typical day as an apple picker starts early, often at sunrise, and involves picking apples by hand, sorting fruit, and occasionally operating ladders or small equipment in an orchard setting. The work is physically demanding and performed outdoors in various weather conditions, requiring suitable attire and a focus on safety. Throughout the day, you may collaborate with other pickers to meet daily quotas, assist with loading crates, and ensure only the best quality apples are selected. Teamwork and communication are important, as working efficiently together helps meet harvest goals on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the apple picking position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apple Picker, you need good physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in outdoor agricultural environments. Use of basic picking tools, ladders, and sometimes mobile data collection devices for tracking harvested quantities is typical in this role. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are valued soft skills that help apple pickers stand out. These skills are essential for maintaining productivity, ensuring fruit quality, and contributing to a successful harvest season.

How do you become an apple picker?

To become an apple picker, you typically need to be at least 14-16 years old, depending on local labor laws, and have the ability to work outdoors in a farm environment. No formal education is required, but physical stamina and the ability to perform repetitive tasks are important. Employers may require a brief interview or application process, especially during harvest seasons.
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Apple Picking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apple Picking job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 40% Physical, and 60% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,221 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Applehouse Picking/Sorting, Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

University of Minnesota

Chaska, MN • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Sort apples by size, color, condition, and maturity, and prepare them for sale by bagging, boxing, pricing, and labeling.

  • Unload crates and bulk boxes from trucks, and work outdoors in varied weather conditions to hand pick apples and load fruit into boxes.

  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the AppleHouse and grading area, and assist customers on the sales floor.

Job description

About the Job
 

Job is located onsite at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Applehouse in Chaska, MN.

AppleHouse Picking/Sorting 
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleHouse is hiring seasonal staff for the fall apple season! We have two closely related temporary positions:

  • One primarily focused on picking apples in our orchards
  • One primarily focused on sorting, bagging, and preparing apples for sale in the AppleHouse

Both roles work closely together, share many overlapping tasks, and help bring Minnesotas favorite apples to our visitors.

During the interview process, well talk with you about your interests and experience to find the best fit for you either in the orchard, the AppleHouse, or a mix of both.
Key Responsibilities
Apple Production & Sorting (about 100% in production-focused role; about 25% in orchard-focused role)

  • Sort apples by size, color, condition, and maturity
  • Bag, box, price, and label apples for sale
  • Unload field crates and bulk boxes from trucks
  • Stock and maintain attractive displays in the AppleHouse
  • Answer customer questions on the sales floor
  • Remove poor quality apples or discount for quick sale
  • Help keep the AppleHouse and grading area clean and organized
  • Follow all AppleHouse policies and procedures
  • Assist with other AppleHouse tasks as needed

Apple Picking (about 75% in apple picking-focused role)

  • Hand pick apples by color and condition using a worn picking bucket
  • Carefully load and move fruit in bushel boxes
  • Work outdoors in varied weather
Qualifications
 

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to lift and move 50 lbs routinely
  • Able to stand for 46 hours continuously
  • Ability to sort by color of apples and follow oral/written instructions
  • Able to read, write, and understand English
  • Comfortable working in a variety of environments (indoor and outdoor)
  • Successful completion of a background check
Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.


Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply
 

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity
 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota
 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

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