Getting Hired as a Farm Worker: Entry-level jobs pay $22,700 annually!

Ready to change your life?

For immigrants searching for stable, rewarding employment, the American agriculture sector offers a multitude of career opportunities and is vital to the nation’s economy.

In this piece, we’ll provide a quick overview of farm jobs available to immigrants, encompassing everything from crop harvesting to animal husbandry.

We’ll also discuss the key benefits of working in this industry, which include competitive pay, free housing, the chance for long-term professional advancement, legitimate work authorization through the H-2A visa program, and more.

Let’s examine the reasons why immigrants might find agricultural labor to be a great option!

A quick overview of the area

For immigrants, especially those seeking steady, part-time work, the agricultural labor sector in the United States offers substantial job opportunities.

One popular route for foreigners to enter the industry is through the H-2A visa program, which offers agricultural laborers legal, temporary authorization.

This industry offers a wide range of jobs, including those that involve using farm equipment, caring for livestock, harvesting crops, and working in nurseries and greenhouses.

Immigrant farmworkers generally make competitive wages, often exceeding the minimum wage in many regions. 

In addition, workers are guaranteed free housing under the H-2A program, which makes it easier for them to live close to their place of employment.

Furthermore, there is often transportation available, which reduces the cost of commuting.

Working on farms in the United States is not just a short-term solution but rather a stepping stone to more permanent opportunities for many.

Certain individuals can progress to permanent residency and long-term employment through employment-based visa schemes.

What job opportunities can I find in the farm area?

• Workers in the field: This group is responsible for crop maintenance, harvesting, and planting. Workers may handle fruits, vegetables, grains, or other types of crops, depending on the time of year and the type of farm.
• Care of cattle, poultry, dairy cows, and other animals is the focus of this economic sector. Jobs could involve feeding, cleaning, milking, and monitoring the health of the animals.
• Employees in nurseries and greenhouses must work in controlled environments where they cultivate plants, flowers, and shrubs. Among the duties are planting, watering, and managing plant growth.
• Skilled laborers operate tractors, combines, and other machinery used in field maintenance, planting, and harvesting.
• Irrigation system installers and maintainers make sure crops receive enough water. We call these guys irrigation technicians.

What are the possible benefits if you work in a rural area in the USA?

• Pay for agricultural laborers can be competitive, particularly in times of high demand. Many businesses offer hourly pay that is higher than the minimum wage with the possibility of overtime; however, prices differ depending on the type of farm and the location.
• Employers who participate in the H-2A program are required to provide free housing for their staff. This could be very helpful, particularly for seasonal workers who have to move around a lot.
• Transportation: Employers usually cover their workers’ travel costs within the United States as well as between locations, making it easier for workers to get to work.
• Some farm jobs, especially those requiring full-time or long-term labor, provide basic health coverage that ensures workers will have access to assistance and medical care in the event of work-related injuries.
• Farm labor plays a major role in the U.S. economy, particularly in states like California, Florida, and Texas that have high levels of year-round agricultural production. There will thus always be a need for labor and opportunities for employment.
• Agricultural labor is only temporary, but for those with a strong work ethic and dedication, it can be a first step toward permanent residency in the United States and more permanent employment.

Would you like to know how to apply?

After that, don’t forget to read our upcoming article!

Not only will we discuss the typical application process there, but we’ll also go over the typical requirements for applying. Continue reading!

Written by

Ricardo Guimarães