Higher Pay Mandated for Temporary Cowboy Visa Workers
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting February 3, 2026, farmers who hire temporary foreign workers to herd or raise livestock on open ranges must pay updated minimum wages. These wage updates protect U.S. workers by making sure foreign workers don’t get paid less, keeping jobs fair and competitive. If you’re an employer using H-2A workers for range jobs, get ready to meet the new wage rules and keep your labor certifications in check!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Range worker monthly AEWR set
If you hire temporary foreign or U.S. range workers, employers must offer, advertise, and pay a monthly minimum wage of $2,132.41 for herding or producing livestock on the range for work performed on or after February 3, 2026. This $2,132.41 rate is the national monthly Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) published by the Department of Labor.
Workers guaranteed $2,132.41 monthly
If you work in herding or production of livestock on the range, employers must offer and pay you at least $2,132.41 per month for work performed on or after February 3, 2026. The AEWR applies to H-2A nonimmigrant workers and U.S. workers in corresponding employment so that U.S. wages and working conditions are not adversely affected.
AEWR increases must be paid during contracts
If the monthly AEWR is adjusted during a worker's contract and the adjusted AEWR is higher than the agreed collective bargaining wage and any applicable Federal or State minimum, employers must pay the higher adjusted monthly AEWR upon DOL publication. This rule applies whenever the adjusted AEWR is higher at the time the work is performed.
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