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H-2A agriculture overview • Field work

Field Hand Jobs in the USA

Field Hand is a core farm role category covering hands-on outdoor crop work. Employers and seasons vary by state. This page explains duties, requirements, gross wage floors used in H-2A recruitment, and typical conditions you should expect. CV is required for review.

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Sector: Agriculture (H-2A focus) Typical route: H-2A Work type: Seasonal Last updated: January 1, 2026

Role snapshot Duties Requirements Pay (gross) Conditions Candidate profile FAQ

Gross wage floor

For H-2A field work, the wage offered in recruitment must be at least the highest applicable wage (often the AEWR). Recent statewide AEWR examples range from $14.83 to $20.08 per hour (gross), depending on state. Final offers can be higher based on site rules, piece rates, and local wage laws.

Typical schedule

Seasonal demand commonly runs on 5–6 workdays/week with early starts. H-2A job orders are full-time and typically describe hours/day and days/week; weather can shift daily priorities.

What’s included (typical H-2A)

Common contract terms include employer-provided housing (no cost where required), meals or free kitchen access, and transport rules described in the work contract/job order. Always confirm the exact package per employer.

Reality check

This is outdoor manual work: heat, rain, mud, repetitive motion, standing, lifting, and long days during peak harvest. Reliability and safety discipline matter as much as speed.

What a “Field Hand” does (plain-English definition)

In U.S. agriculture, “Field Hand” typically means a worker assigned to outdoor crop tasks: planting support, weeding, harvesting, sorting in-field, carrying bins, and keeping rows and work zones clean and safe. The exact crop (berries, vegetables, orchards, nurseries) defines the pace and tools.

Some seasons feel like a sprint: early mornings, short breaks, and a strong focus on quality (no damage, clean picks, consistent sorting). Employers care about steady output, attendance, and following instructions the first time.

Typical tasks (examples)

Harvesting/picking and placing produce into trays, buckets, or bins
Weeding, thinning, pruning support (crop-dependent)
Row maintenance: removal of debris, basic sanitation routines
Sorting/quality checks (size, ripeness, damage) and staging for transport
Safe use of basic hand tools (knives, clippers, ties) where applicable

Physical & environment demands

Ability to stand/walk for long periods and repeat the same movement safely
Comfort working outdoors (heat, cold, dust, rain; seasonal insects/pollen)
Ability to lift/carry moderate loads when required (role/crop-dependent)
Willingness to follow hygiene and food safety instructions

Detailed requirements (what employers typically check)

Requirements depend on crop, state, and employer policy. Below is a realistic baseline used for seasonal field work screening. If an employer adds special rules (driving, machinery, pesticide-restricted areas), they must be disclosed during recruitment and in the job order/work contract.

Documents

CV in English with contact details
Passport (valid for travel during the season)
Accurate work history (roles, dates, locations)
Any certificates (farm safety, equipment) if available

Skills & behavior

Consistent pace without sacrificing quality
Ability to follow instructions and repeat tasks reliably
Teamwork (line picking/row work is coordinated)
Basic problem reporting (damage, hazards, equipment issues)

Work readiness

Outdoor tolerance (weather variability)
Manual handling discipline (safe lifting and posture)
Comfort with early starts and peak-season long days
Respect for food safety, sanitation, and PPE rules

Note: employers can set productivity standards, but workers may not be paid below the offered wage for hours worked.

Pay in the USA for Field Hands (gross, before taxes)

Agricultural field work pay varies by state and employer. For H-2A-related recruitment, a common wage floor is the statewide AEWR for “field and livestock workers (combined)” where available, and the offered wage must meet the highest applicable wage source used in recruitment and the job order.

Typical gross hourly offer range (state-dependent)

Recent DOL AEWR examples show a practical range of $14.83–$20.08/hour (gross) depending on state. Specialized tasks or high-cost areas can be higher.

Piece rate is possible (with a floor)

Some crops use piece rates (per bucket/bin). Weekly earnings must still average at least the required hourly wage; if they don’t, the employer must supplement to meet the hourly floor.

Pay frequency

H-2A pay is typically at least twice per month (or more frequent if local practice requires). Your wage statement should show hours offered/worked and deductions.

Overtime

Overtime rules for agriculture can differ by state. Some states require agricultural overtime; your contract/job order should reflect the pay method used by the employer.

Gross wage floor examples by state (AEWR examples)

The table below is a quick reference snapshot (not exhaustive). Exact wage terms depend on the employer’s area of intended employment.

State	Example gross hourly wage floor	Notes
Arkansas	$14.83/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work
Florida	$16.23/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work
North Carolina	$16.16/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work
Texas	$15.79/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work
California	$19.97/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work
Washington	$19.82/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work
Ohio	$19.57/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work
Hawaii	$20.08/hour	Example AEWR floor for field work

Important: This page provides a role overview. Final wage terms are defined by the hiring employer in the job order/work contract, and must comply with applicable U.S. rules. Always verify the state, crop, and pay method before travel.

Typical work conditions in the USA (H-2A-style seasonal agriculture)

Housing

Seasonal agriculture commonly uses shared housing near the worksite. For H-2A-type contracts, housing is typically provided at no cost when workers can’t reasonably return home the same day. Housing must meet applicable safety standards.

Light: shared rooms Typical: near farms

Meals & kitchens

Employers commonly either provide 3 meals/day or provide free, convenient cooking and kitchen facilities so workers can prepare meals. If meals are charged (where allowed), a maximum daily charge may apply and is updated periodically by U.S. authorities.

Confirm meal setup

Transport & travel reimbursements

Daily transport between housing and the worksite is commonly arranged. Travel cost reimbursement rules and subsistence amounts can apply (often tied to completing a portion of the contract). Exact handling must be written into the job order/work contract.

Confirm in contract

Workplace expectations that impact success

Quality control: damaged produce and inconsistent sorting can reduce team performance and cause rework.
Safety discipline: hydration, PPE, tool handling, and “stop/ask” behavior prevent injuries.
Attendance: peak harvest windows are short; reliable attendance is a key selection signal.
Communication: basic English instructions are common; clarity beats speed when learning.

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

Short candidate portrait (who fits best)

Employers hire field hands who are consistent. You do not need to be the fastest on day one—but you must be reliable, safe, and coachable.

You show up on time, every day, and follow the line leader’s instructions.
You can work outdoors without losing focus in heat, rain, or wind.
You keep a steady pace and protect product quality (no shortcuts that damage crops).
You respect safety rules and ask questions before making risky moves.

Common reasons candidates fail screening

No English CV or missing contact details
Unclear work history (no dates/locations)
Unrealistic expectations about “light work”
Low reliability signals (late replies, missed calls)
Ignoring safety rules or refusing basic tasks

Fix these before you apply—screening is fast during peak seasons.

Apply correctly (to avoid delays)

Upload your English CV.
Add your current phone number (with country code) and email.
List any farm/outdoor work and tools you can safely use.
Answer calls/messages promptly after applying.

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FAQ (Field Hand jobs in the USA)

What does a Field Hand do on a U.S. farm?

Field hands support crop work outdoors: harvesting/picking, weeding, row maintenance, basic sorting, carrying bins, and keeping the work area clean. The crop defines the pace and the tools used.

What gross hourly wage should I expect?

Wage depends on state and employer. For H-2A field work, many employers use the statewide AEWR as a floor where available. Recent examples range roughly from $14.83 to $20.08 per hour (gross), with higher offers possible.

Are housing and meals included?

Seasonal agriculture often includes employer-arranged housing and meal/kitchen arrangements. Exact terms must be stated in the job order/work contract. Always verify whether meals are provided or whether a free kitchen is provided.

Can I be paid by piece rate?

Yes, some crops pay per unit (bucket/bin). However, weekly earnings must still meet the required hourly wage average. If they do not, pay is supplemented.

What is the #1 document that blocks candidates?

Missing or low-quality CV. Upload an English CV with dates, locations, and recent work history so employers can screen quickly.

Related roles in Agriculture (H-2A focus)

Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.

Disclaimer: This page is informational and does not guarantee job availability. Employers control start dates, locations, and final terms.