Elite Kiwi female rugby players will be newly eligible for retainer salaries and benefits from New Zealand Rugby as part of the organising body's new Black Ferns professional programme.

As part of an agreement announced on Monday, at least 30 Black Ferns will be added to NZR's payroll, with salaries spread across four tiers.

The best-paid players will earn a guaranteed $20,000 per year, with added weekly assembly fees of $2000 when in Black Ferns camp.

As professional players under the NZR banner, the players will also receive medical and life insurance, as well as access to KiwiSaver and additional savings top-ups from the Player Savings Scheme.

The players' financial boost will come from NZR's player payment pool, negotiated with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association in late 2016.

"Women's participation in sport is growing globally and women represent the fastest growing group in New Zealand rugby numbers," NZR chief Steve Tew says.

"One in seven rugby players in New Zealand is female.

"The Black Ferns - and the Black Ferns Sevens - have rapidly grown in profile, stature and relevance on the international stage.

"This agreement supports them to be the best they can be."

The players will also be able to share the newly-created Black Ferns Legacy Fund, which will dole out $100,000 based on Test experience.

That sum will increase to $150,000 in 2019.

Furthermore, a parental policy has been included in the programme, with up to $15,000 available to Black Ferns returning from maternity leave.

Players are expected to commit up to 14 hours a week to training as part of the agreement, and will assemble for about seven weeks each year.

That includes both Tests and camps.

In an acknowledgement of their success, payments have also been made available for 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup-winners to conduct promotional and community work.

The Black Ferns defeated England 41-32 in last year's Cup final.

"This is a significant milestone for the women's 15s game - it's a long-term sustainable model that offers genuine pathways and support for female players on and off the field, and that we can build on," NZRPA boss Rob Nichol said.

"It's an exciting time to be a female rugby player in New Zealand."