H-2B Jobs 2026: Industries, States, and Seasonal Start Times
Guide · H-2B seasonal jobs · Reviewed September 20, 2026 · about 6 min read
The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs. These jobs are often seasonal, one-time, peakload, or intermittent. Understanding the H-2B program involves knowing which industries commonly use these visas, where these jobs are located, and when the typical work seasons begin.
This guide compiles data from FY2026 (through Q2) to provide a clear overview of H-2B employment trends, including top states, common occupations, and median wages. You will also find information on current job openings and employer-provided benefits. After reading this guide, you will have a better understanding of the H-2B landscape, helping you prepare for discussions with potential employers, agencies, or legal counsel.
Understanding the H-2B Visa Program
The H-2B visa program addresses the need for temporary non-agricultural workers when U.S. workers are unavailable. This program is subject to a statutory cap, meaning there is a limited number of visas available each fiscal year. Employers seeking H-2B workers must demonstrate that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to perform the temporary work, and that employing foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. For FY2026 (through Q2), the program has seen a total of 137,690 workers requested across 7,785 filings. The median wage for these positions stands at $18.91 per hour.
Top States for H-2B Employment
H-2B jobs are concentrated in specific states, reflecting regional economic needs and seasonal industries. Based on data for FY2026 (through Q2), the state with the highest number of H-2B workers is Texas, with 13,725 workers across 664 filings. Florida ranks second with 9,267 workers from 361 filings, followed by North Carolina with 7,055 workers from 304 filings.
- Ohio: 5,640 workers
- Pennsylvania: 5,401 workers
- South Carolina: 5,316 workers
- Louisiana: 5,147 workers
- Missouri: 5,143 workers
- Colorado: 4,957 workers
- New York: 4,863 workers
Each of these states has unique industry demands that drive their H-2B worker needs. For detailed information on H-2B trends in a specific state, you can visit the respective StateTally page, such as Texas or Florida.
Common H-2B Occupations and Industries
The H-2B program primarily supports industries with seasonal or temporary labor needs. Across the top states, Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers consistently appears as the most requested occupation. For instance, in Texas, 8,753 workers were requested for this role, while in Florida, it was 4,511 workers, and in North Carolina, 4,514 workers.
Other frequently requested occupations include:
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Construction Laborers
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Cooks, Restaurant
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners
Some states show specific occupational demands. For example, Oregon's top occupation is Forest and Conservation Workers with 3,080 workers, while Louisiana has a significant number of Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers with 1,493 workers. These roles reflect the diverse temporary labor needs across different regions and industries.
H-2B Job Seasons and Lead Times
H-2B jobs are often seasonal, with specific start months. Across the top states, the most common start months for H-2B seasons are April, March, and February. For example, in Texas, these months account for 92% of top season starts. In North Carolina, this share is 98%, and in South Carolina, it is 99%.
The median season length for H-2B jobs generally ranges from 7.5 to 9 months. For instance, Michigan has a median season of 7.5 months, while Missouri's median season is 9 months. Employers typically file their applications well in advance, with a median lead time of 90 days before the season's start. This advance planning is crucial for navigating the application process and ensuring workers are available when needed.
Wages for H-2B Workers
Wages for H-2B positions vary by state and occupation, but the overall median wage for FY2026 (through Q2) is $18.91 per hour.
Individual states show variations in median wages:
- Colorado: $22.08 per hour
- New York: $21.61 per hour
- Massachusetts: $20.80 per hour
- Utah: $20.19 per hour
- Missouri: $19.80 per hour
For example, in Texas, the median wage is $18.42 per hour, with 25% of workers earning $17.39 or less and 75% earning $18.93 or less. In Pennsylvania, the median wage is $19.17 per hour, with the 25th percentile at $18.69 and the 75th percentile at $19.86. These figures provide a snapshot of typical earnings for H-2B workers in various regions.
Current H-2B Job Openings
As of 2026-09-19, there are 280 H-2B job orders currently open, seeking a total of 4,988 workers. The median wage for these open positions is $19.69 per hour, with 25% of jobs offering $18.17 or less and 75% offering $21.62 or less.
The top occupations currently open include:
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers: 1,179 workers at a median wage of $19.81
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners: 611 workers at a median wage of $18.56
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: 550 workers at a median wage of $26.78
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners: 410 workers at a median wage of $19.02
States with the highest number of current openings include Utah (723 workers), California (594 workers), and Florida (467 workers). You can explore these current opportunities further on the StateTally H-2B jobs page.
Employer-Provided Benefits and Conditions
Many H-2B employers offer various benefits and specific working conditions. Based on current job orders, 76% of employers provide lodging, and 62% offer daily transportation. It is also common for employers to not require prior experience, with 59% of current job orders indicating no experience is needed. While some employers may charge for meals, the current data shows 0% of employers charging for meals. Similarly, 0% of current job orders indicate a piece-rate pay structure. These conditions highlight the support structures often in place for H-2B workers.
What this guide is not: This guide provides general information based on available data and is not legal advice. The figures presented are estimates and subject to change. Rules and regulations for the H-2B program can be complex and are regularly updated. Always consult the cited statutes or official agency resources for the most current and accurate information, or seek advice from a qualified legal professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is the H-2B visa program for?
The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary non-agricultural jobs when there aren't enough U.S. workers available. These jobs are typically seasonal, one-time, peakload, or intermittent, addressing specific short-term labor needs in various industries.
Which states have the most H-2B jobs?
Based on FY2026 (through Q2) data, Texas leads with 13,725 H-2B workers. Other top states include Florida (9,267 workers), North Carolina (7,055 workers), Ohio (5,640 workers), and Pennsylvania (5,401 workers). These states represent key regions for temporary non-agricultural employment.
What are the most common H-2B job types?
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers is consistently the most common H-2B occupation across many states. Other frequent roles include Amusement and Recreation Attendants, Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners, Construction Laborers, and various Cooks positions, reflecting seasonal demands in hospitality and outdoor services.
When do H-2B job seasons typically start?
The majority of H-2B job seasons begin in the spring months. April, March, and February are the most common start months across the top states. Employers typically plan well in advance, with a median lead time of 90 days before the season commences.
What is the median wage for H-2B jobs?
The overall median wage for H-2B jobs in FY2026 (through Q2) is $18.91 per hour. Wages can vary by state, with some states like Colorado showing a median wage of $22.08 per hour, while others like Louisiana have a median wage of $16.51 per hour.