DOL Revises Pay Scales for Temporary Farm Workers Across States
Published Date: 10/2/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Labor is changing how it sets hourly wages for temporary farm workers (H-2A workers) in non-range jobs by using new state-based wage data. This update splits wages into two skill levels and adjusts pay when employers provide free housing. These changes affect employers hiring H-2A workers and aim to make wages fairer and clearer starting now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.
State-Based Wage Data Used
The Department of Labor will set Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for non-range H-2A jobs using Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey wage data reported for each U.S. state and territory.
Two Skill-Based Wage Levels
For the majority of H-2A job opportunities and for all other occupations, the Department will divide AEWRs into two skill-based categories so wages reflect different qualifications in the employer's job offer.
Housing Adjustment Factor Applied
The Department will implement a standard adjustment factor to the AEWR to account for employer-provided housing at no cost; employers will apply this adjustment when compensating H-2A workers under temporary agricultural labor certifications.
Combining Field/Livestock SOC Codes
The Department will use OEWS data to establish AEWRs applicable to five Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes that combine the most common field and livestock worker occupations previously measured by the USDA Farm Labor Survey, which covered six SOC codes.
Majority-Days Rule for SOC Assignment
Which SOC code and skill-based AEWR applies will be determined by the duties performed for the majority of the workdays during the contract period and by the qualifications in the employer's job offer.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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