H-2A Wages by State: What Farms Offer in 2026
Guide · H-2A farm jobs · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · about 7 min read
This guide provides an overview of H-2A agricultural worker wages across the United States, drawing on certified data for Fiscal Year 2026 (through Q2) and current live job order information. The H-2A program allows agricultural employers to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. for temporary or seasonal agricultural work when U.S. workers are not available. A key component of this program is the wage rate, which employers are required to offer to both H-2A workers and U.S. workers in corresponding employment.
By reviewing this information, you will be able to understand the general wage landscape for H-2A positions, identify the states with the highest number of certified workers and their associated median wages, and see what is currently being offered in open job orders. This guide aims to provide clear, specific facts to help you understand the H-2A wage structure before engaging with legal counsel, government agencies, or potential employers.
Understanding H-2A Wages: The AEWR Concept
The H-2A program requires employers to offer and pay a wage that is at least the highest of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), the prevailing wage, the federal minimum wage, or the state minimum wage. The AEWR is a minimum hourly wage rate that the Department of Labor (DOL) determines must be offered and paid by employers to H-2A workers and workers in corresponding employment to protect against adverse effects on the wages of U.S. workers similarly employed.
These rates are typically updated annually and vary by state and sometimes by occupation. The figures presented in this guide reflect the wages offered in certified H-2A job orders, which must meet or exceed the applicable AEWR or other required wage rates for that specific job and location.
National H-2A Wage Landscape: Fiscal Year 2026 Data
For Fiscal Year 2026, through the second quarter, the H-2A program has seen a total of 254,306 workers certified across 16,675 filings. The national median offered wage for these certified positions stands at $15.67 per hour. This figure represents a broad average across various agricultural occupations and states, indicating the general compensation level for H-2A work during this period.
The most common occupation certified under the H-2A program is 'Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse,' which consistently accounts for a significant majority of certified workers nationwide.
Top States by H-2A Workers and Median Wages (FY2026)
The distribution of H-2A workers and their median wages varies significantly by state. Below are the top states by the number of certified H-2A workers for Fiscal Year 2026 (through Q2), along with their respective median offered wages:
- Florida: Ranked 1st with 30,044 workers and a median wage of $14.00. Top start months are January, February, and November, accounting for 55% of seasonal starts. View Florida H-2A data.
- Georgia: Ranked 2nd with 28,829 workers and a median wage of $12.27. Top start months are March, February, and April, accounting for 81% of seasonal starts. View Georgia H-2A data.
- Washington: Ranked 3rd with 25,368 workers and a median wage of $17.13. Top start months are March, February, and January, accounting for 80% of seasonal starts. View Washington H-2A data.
- California: Ranked 4th with 23,506 workers and a median wage of $16.90. Top start months are March, April, and January, accounting for 69% of seasonal starts. View California H-2A data.
- North Carolina: Ranked 5th with 17,141 workers and a median wage of $12.78. Top start months are March, February, and April, accounting for 81% of seasonal starts. View North Carolina H-2A data.
- Texas: Ranked 6th with 12,632 workers and a median wage of $15.50. Top start months are February, March, and January, accounting for 76% of seasonal starts. View Texas H-2A data.
- Louisiana: Ranked 7th with 9,126 workers and a median wage of $9.59. Top start months are January, March, and February, accounting for 81% of seasonal starts. View Louisiana H-2A data.
These states represent a significant portion of the H-2A program's activity, with median wages reflecting regional economic conditions and specific agricultural needs.
Seasonal Patterns and Lead Times for H-2A Jobs
H-2A jobs are inherently seasonal, with specific periods for peak hiring. Across the top states, the median season length for H-2A jobs ranges from approximately 5.4 months in Florida to 9.7 months in Texas. Employers typically initiate the H-2A application process well in advance of the desired start date for workers. The median lead time for filings, from application submission to the start of work, is around 52 days in states like Florida and California, extending to 67 days in Mississippi and North Dakota. This lead time is crucial for employers to navigate the certification process and for workers to prepare for their assignments.
Current H-2A Job Market: Live Data Feed
As of 2026-09-19, live H-2A job orders show 1,264 open orders seeking 25,699 workers. The median offered wage in these current job orders is $15.40 per hour. The wage range for these live postings indicates that 25% of jobs offer $13.95 or less, while 75% offer $18.48 or less.
Key characteristics of these live job orders include:
- Employer-Provided Housing: 96% of current job orders specify employer-provided housing.
- Meals Charged: 17% of orders indicate that meals will be charged to workers, with a median meal charge of $16.78.
- Experience Requirements: 21% of jobs state that no prior experience is required.
- Piece Rate: 5% of jobs offer compensation on a piece-rate basis.
For a real-time view of available positions and their specific terms, you can visit the live H-2A jobs page.
Common Occupations and Employer Activity
The H-2A program primarily serves roles critical to agricultural production. In the FY2026 data, 'Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse' is the most prevalent occupation, accounting for 28,923 workers in Florida, 27,883 in Georgia, and 24,273 in Washington. Other significant occupations include 'Agricultural Equipment Operators' and 'Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals.'
In the live job orders, the top occupations are similar:
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse: 13,633 workers, median wage $15.00.
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals: 2,429 workers, median wage $15.09.
- Agricultural Equipment Operators: 571 workers, median wage $16.01.
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: 355 workers, median wage $21.07.
Large employers often utilize the H-2A program to meet their labor needs. For example, in Florida, Ag Labor LLC certified 1,979 workers with a median wage of $16.23, while in Washington, wafla certified 3,747 workers at a median wage of $17.13.
Live H-2A Wages by State
The current live job orders also provide a snapshot of wages being offered in various states as of 2026-09-19. Here are some of the states with the most active live H-2A job orders:
- Florida (FL): 11,319 workers, median wage $15.00.
- California (CA): 2,757 workers, median wage $16.90.
- Arizona (AZ): 2,507 workers, median wage $15.15.
- Georgia (GA): 1,586 workers, median wage $12.57.
- Texas (TX): 1,560 workers, median wage $12.29.
- Louisiana (LA): 602 workers, median wage $10.42.
- Kentucky (KY): 381 workers, median wage $14.33.
- Tennessee (TN): 342 workers, median wage $13.15.
- Nebraska (NE): 340 workers, median wage $19.26.
- Oregon (OR): 315 workers, median wage $17.65.
These figures reflect the immediate demand and compensation for H-2A labor in these regions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the national median H-2A wage for FY2026?
For Fiscal Year 2026 (through Q2), the national median offered wage for certified H-2A positions is $15.67 per hour. This figure is based on 254,306 certified workers across 16,675 filings nationwide, reflecting a broad average across various agricultural roles.
Which state has the most H-2A workers in FY2026?
Florida ranks first for Fiscal Year 2026 (through Q2) with 30,044 certified H-2A workers. The median wage offered in Florida for these positions is $14.00 per hour, primarily for crop, nursery, and greenhouse farmworkers.
What are the most common H-2A job titles?
The most common H-2A job titles include 'Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse,' 'Agricultural Equipment Operators,' and 'Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals.' These occupations consistently represent the largest number of certified workers.
Do H-2A employers typically provide housing?
Yes, based on live job order data as of 2026-09-19, 96% of H-2A job orders specify that employer-provided housing will be offered to workers. This is a common provision within the H-2A program requirements.
What is the median wage for current H-2A job openings?
As of 2026-09-19, the median offered wage in current live H-2A job orders is $15.40 per hour. These orders represent 25,699 workers across 1,264 open positions, with wages varying by state and specific job duties.
Sources
Use the numbers
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