How Much Do H2A Visa Workers Make?
Most H2A agricultural visa workers in the United States earn between $14 and $20 per hour in 2026, depending on the state and the type of crop or livestock work they perform. The federal government sets a minimum floor called the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which employers must pay to protect both H2A workers and domestic farmworkers from wage depression.
Understanding your wages matters for more than your paycheck. Your annual income determines whether you qualify for $0-premium ACA Marketplace health insurance. Most H2A workers fall right in the income range that qualifies for the largest subsidies. Read on to learn exactly how wages are set and what they mean for your health coverage options.
What Is the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR)?
The AEWR is the minimum hourly wage the U.S. Department of Labor requires H2A employers to pay. It changes every year and varies by state. The goal is to make sure H2A workers are not paid less than what American farmworkers typically earn in the same region.
For 2026, AEWR rates range from approximately $14.40 per hour in some southeastern states to over $20.00 per hour in states like Washington and California. Your employer must pay you whichever is highest among:
- The federal or state minimum wage
- The AEWR for your state
- The prevailing wage for your specific job as listed in your work contract
You can look up the current AEWR for your state on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
H2A Wages by Region: 2026 Estimates
Here are approximate 2026 AEWR ranges by region. These are minimums — many employers pay more to attract reliable workers:
- Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina): $14.40 – $15.60/hr
- Midwest (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa): $16.00 – $17.50/hr
- Southwest (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico): $14.80 – $16.00/hr
- Mountain West (Colorado, Idaho, Montana): $17.00 – $18.50/hr
- Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon): $19.00 – $20.50/hr
- California: $19.75 – $21.00/hr (state minimum wage applies)
For state-specific details, visit our Florida H2A workers page, Georgia H2A workers page, or browse all H2A facts by state.
What Does a Full H2A Season Pay in Total?
H2A contracts typically run 3 to 10 months. Here is what a worker might earn in a full season at different wage rates, assuming 40 hours per week:
- $15/hr × 40 hrs × 20 weeks = $12,000
- $16.50/hr × 40 hrs × 26 weeks = $17,160
- $19/hr × 40 hrs × 32 weeks = $24,320
Many workers also earn overtime pay or piece-rate bonuses on top of their hourly wage, which can increase total income significantly.
Other Benefits Your H2A Employer Must Provide
Under federal law, H2A employers are required to provide several benefits at no cost to you:
- Free housing (or a housing allowance)
- Free meals or kitchen access
- Free transportation to and from your home country
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Tools and equipment needed for the job
Importantly, employers are not required to provide health insurance. That is where the ACA Marketplace fills the gap — and it can fill it for $0 per month for many H2A workers.
How Your H2A Wages Affect ACA Health Insurance Eligibility
As an H2A visa holder, you are considered lawfully present in the United States under 45 CFR § 152.2. That means you are fully eligible to enroll in ACA Marketplace health insurance — the same plans available to U.S. citizens. This is confirmed by HealthCare.gov.
Under 26 U.S.C. § 36B, workers whose income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Premium Tax Credits — subsidies that reduce or eliminate your monthly insurance premium. Many H2A workers qualify for $0/month plans based on their seasonal income.
Here is a simple comparison for a single adult in 2026:
- Annual income under ~$21,000: Likely qualifies for $0/month premium
- Annual income $21,000 – $40,000: Likely qualifies for very low monthly premium
- Annual income over $60,000: May pay a higher premium, but plans are still available
Important: Enrolling in ACA Marketplace insurance is not considered a public charge. Using health coverage will not hurt your visa status or future immigration applications. See our facts page for more information and sources.
Do I Have to Report My H2A Wages to Enroll?
Yes. When you apply for ACA coverage, you will be asked to estimate your income for the year. Use your contract wages as your guide. If your income changes during the year — for example, you work more weeks than expected — you can update your information and your subsidy will be adjusted.
Our licensed agents at Signature Insurance help you calculate your estimated income correctly so you get the right subsidy amount. We do this at no cost to you. Learn more about Signature Insurance and our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AEWR the same in every state?
No. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate varies by state and is updated annually by the U.S. Department of Labor. Some states have multiple rates depending on the type of agricultural work. Always check your work contract and your state's current rate.
Can my employer pay me less than the AEWR?
No. Paying less than the AEWR is a violation of federal law. If you believe your employer is not paying you correctly, you have the right to report it to the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
Does my H2A income count toward ACA subsidy eligibility?
Yes. Your H2A wages count as income when calculating your eligibility for Premium Tax Credits under the ACA. Seasonal agricultural income is evaluated on an annualized basis for subsidy purposes.
Can I get health insurance even if I only work 4 months in the U.S.?
Yes. You can enroll in ACA Marketplace coverage for the months you are in the United States. A licensed agent can help you choose a plan that fits your specific contract period and income, so you are not paying for months you do not need coverage.
Will signing up for ACA health insurance affect my H2A visa or future visas?
No. ACA Marketplace enrollment is not a public charge and will not negatively affect your visa status or future immigration applications. This is confirmed by USCIS policy and healthcare law.
Get Free Help Enrolling Today
You work hard. You deserve health coverage that works just as hard for you. At Signature Insurance, our licensed agents specialize in helping H2A and H2B visa workers find $0-premium ACA Marketplace plans that fit their seasonal income and work schedule.
We are licensed in all 50 states, based in Lexington, KY, and our help is completely free. There is no catch — agents are paid by the insurance company, not by you.
Call us now at 859-407-4888 or sign up online using our free enrollment form. We speak your language and we are ready to help.