Agricultural H2A Wages in 2024 – Key Details & New Rates

Navigating the complexities of H2A wages can be daunting for many foreign agricultural workers. However, understanding these dynamics is crucial to ensuring that you are paid fairly while working in the U.S. Here’s an informational guide tailored to help you understand and leverage the H2A visa wages effectively in 2024.
Understanding H2A Wages in 2024
The H2A program’s Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) are determined to ensure that the employment of foreign workers does not adversely affect the wages of U.S. workers in similar positions. For 2024, these rates vary by state, reflecting the local wage standards to maintain fairness. For example, workers in California can expect an AEWR of $19.75 per hour, whereas those in Texas will see $15.55 per hour.
How AEWRs are Set
The Department of Labor (DOL) uses data from various sources, including the Farm Labor Survey (FLS) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), to set these rates. This helps in tailoring the AEWRs more accurately to the actual work performed and the skills required across different agricultural jobs.
Understanding Range and Non-Range Occupations in AEWRs
The Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) set for H2A visa holders are divided into two primary categories: Range Occupations and Non-Range Occupations. These categories help ensure that wage standards reflect the specific types of agricultural work being performed. Here’s a breakdown of these categories and what they mean for H2A workers.
Range Occupations
Range Occupations refer to jobs that involve the herding or production of livestock on open range or in pasturelands. These positions often require workers to operate in remote locations under conditions that are vastly different from those found in crop production settings.
- Wage Rates: For 2024, the wage rate for all states for range occupations is set uniformly at $1,986.76 per month.
- Nature of Work: This work typically involves managing animals outside of feedlots or barns and can include duties like moving herds, monitoring animal health, and managing feeding resources in extensive land areas.
Non-Range Occupations
Non-Range Occupations cover a broader spectrum of agricultural work, primarily focused on crop production, equipment operation, and other farm activities that do not involve range herding.
- Wage Rates: These are more variable and are often set on an hourly basis. For instance, in 2024, workers in California can expect an hourly AEWR of $19.75, whereas those in Florida will receive $14.77 per hour.
- Types of Jobs Included: This category includes farmworkers and laborers in crop, nursery, and greenhouse settings, agricultural equipment operators, graders and sorters of agricultural products, and more.
Why This Matters to You
As an H2A visa holder, understanding these wage rates is crucial. They determine the minimum wage you should be paid, depending on the state and the specific agricultural work you perform. These standards are in place to protect you and ensure that you receive a fair wage comparable to U.S. workers in similar roles.
Practical Tips for H2A Workers

Stay Informed: Always check the latest AEWRs for the state you will be working in. This information can typically be found on the DOL’s official website or through your employer.
Verify with Employers: Before accepting a job offer, confirm that the wage offered meets or exceeds the AEWR for your job classification and state.
Document Your Hours: Keep accurate records of your working hours to ensure you are paid correctly according to the stipulated AEWR.
Understanding and navigating the AEWRs as an H2A worker is vital for ensuring you are fairly compensated. Always stay updated with the latest wage rates and regulations to make informed decisions about your employment opportunities in the U.S.