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Agricultural Packhouse Worker (USA)

Produce packing work in U.S. agricultural facilities: sorting, grading, labeling, boxing and preparing fruit/vegetables for shipment. Conditions are seasonal and employer-specific, but the role is typically aligned with the H-2A route. CV is required for review.

Sector: Agriculture (H-2A focus) Typical route: H-2A Work type: Seasonal Last updated: —
CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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A realistic snapshot (gross pay & conditions)

This role is often a “fast hands, sharp eyes” position: accuracy and pace matter as much as physical stamina.

Typical gross hourly range (H-2A-aligned sites)
$14.83–$20.08/hr
Varies by state, crop, and employer pay structure (hourly or piece-rate with hourly-equivalent compliance).
Federal minimum wage baseline (gross)
$7.25/hr
Higher state/local minimums may apply; H-2A wage floors are typically higher than the federal baseline.
Shifts & seasonality
8–12 hrs/day
Peak weeks can be longer depending on harvest volume and packing deadlines.
Work environment
Packhouse / cold rooms
Standing work, repetitive motions, hygiene rules, PPE and temperature variation.
Examples of gross H-2A wage floors (state AEWR for non-range occupations): CA $19.97/hr, WA $19.82/hr, FL $16.23/hr, TX $15.79/hr, HI $20.08/hr. Final pay depends on the employer’s job order and the applicable legal wage requirements.

Next steps

  1. Create/upload your CV (English) and keep your phone/email accurate.
  2. We review fit for current packing/produce projects and confirm availability windows.
  3. If shortlisted: employer screening + documentation workflow (contract disclosures and onboarding steps).
No CV = no review. Apply only when your CV is ready.
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Short candidate portrait

  • You can keep a steady pace and still stay precise (labels, counts, quality grades).
  • You follow hygiene/safety rules without reminders (gloves, hairnets, handwash, line discipline).
  • You are comfortable with repetitive tasks and standing work.
  • You communicate clearly (basic English helps; supervisor instructions must be followed).
  • You show up reliably—seasonal packing runs on attendance and timing.

Typical tasks (packhouse-focused)

  • Sort and grade produce by size/quality; remove damaged items.
  • Wash, trim, and prepare products (role and crop dependent).
  • Label, weigh, box, and seal units to spec (counts and traceability).
  • Stack cartons, build pallets, and stage shipments safely.
  • Keep the line clean and compliant with hygiene and food safety rules.
Some sites rotate stations to reduce fatigue and improve quality control.

Requirements (detailed, practical)

  • CV in English (required for review).
  • Fitness for standing work and repetitive motions; comfortable working at speed.
  • Typical lifting is moderate (boxes/crates). Exact weights depend on crop and site policy.
  • Willingness to work in cooler zones (cold rooms) and follow PPE/hygiene rules.
  • Shift readiness (early starts are common during peak harvest periods).
  • Zero tolerance for “shortcut” behavior on safety and food handling.
Final requirements are set by the hiring employer and the official job order.

What to expect in the USA (H-2A-aligned conditions)

  • Seasonal contracts; start dates depend on crop calendars and location.
  • Housing is typically employer-arranged for workers who cannot return home daily (site rules apply).
  • Daily transport between housing and worksite is usually organized for employer-provided housing.
  • Meals are handled either via kitchens for self-cooking or employer meal options (policy varies).
  • Clear wage statements and recorded hours are standard practice on compliant sites.
Always read the work contract/job order carefully before travel decisions.

Gross pay: how to read it correctly (brutto only)

U.S. agricultural pay can be hourly or piece-rate. Even when piece-rate is used, compliant offers typically ensure your pay averages at or above the applicable hourly minimum for the pay period. Your gross hourly number depends on the state, crop, and the employer’s wage obligations.

Baseline reference

Federal minimum wage: $7.25/hr gross (higher state/local minimums may apply).

H-2A-aligned wage floors

Typical state AEWR range: $14.83–$20.08/hr gross (non-range occupations).

Examples (gross)

CA $19.97/hr • WA $19.82/hr • FL $16.23/hr • TX $15.79/hr • HI $20.08/hr

Weekly note: —

Documents & readiness checklist

  • Passport valid for the full contract period.
  • English CV with correct contact details (phone + email).
  • Work history (even informal): packing, warehouse, food handling, farm work.
  • Any relevant certificates (forklift, HACCP/GMP awareness, safety training) if you have them.
  • Emergency contact and basic medical disclosure only if requested by the employer (site policy).
Bring accuracy: mismatched names, dates, or contacts cause delays.

Quality & safety standards you must follow

  • Hygiene: handwashing, clean PPE, no contamination risks on the line.
  • Traceability: labels, lot codes, counts and documentation must match.
  • Equipment discipline: do not bypass guards or improvise with tools.
  • Temperature zones: follow rules for cold rooms and product handling.
  • Reporting: escalate defects or safety hazards immediately (do not “hide” errors).
Packhouse work is audited; consistency matters as much as speed.

How MaViAl supports the process

  • CV-based screening for packing/produce roles and project season windows.
  • Role clarification: tasks, shift pattern, and employer expectations.
  • Document flow readiness: what to prepare and how to avoid common mistakes.
  • Clear communication: you receive steps in the correct order, not a vague checklist.
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FAQ (role-specific)

These answers are informational. Final terms always come from the employer’s job order/work contract and official procedures.

Related roles in Agriculture (H-2A focus)

Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility, and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.