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Tobacco Farm Worker (USA — H-2A Focus)

This page summarizes Tobacco Farm Worker roles in the United States for international candidates. Tobacco work is highly seasonal and changes phase-by-phase (field, harvest, curing, stripping, baling). Exact terms (state, start date, schedule, housing set-up, and wage rate) depend on the hiring employer and certified job order. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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Sector: Agriculture (H-2A focus) Work type: Seasonal Pay type: Gross (before taxes) Updated:

Gross pay snapshot (AEWR-based)

Typical gross hourly floors in major tobacco states commonly sit in the range:

$15.87–$16.23 / hour gross

Example gross week (48 hours): $761.76–$779.04
Final required wage can be higher if another applicable rate is higher.

Where this job is common

Tobacco farm roles cluster in states with established tobacco production and curing infrastructure. Exact location is always employer-specific.

Common regions: KY, NC, VA, TN, SC, GA, FL (role-dependent)

Contract essentials (typical under H-2A)

  • Seasonal schedule; weather-driven pace
  • Housing and job-required tools typically provided (program rules)
  • Meals or cooking facilities (program rules)
  • Hours offer with a 75% (three-fourths) work guarantee (program rules)

How tobacco work actually flows (field → barn → bale)

Tobacco is not “one long harvest.” The job changes as the crop moves through distinct phases: planting and cultivation, harvest and hauling, curing in barns/sheds, then stripping and grading, finishing with packing and baling for pickup. The same worker may rotate across phases depending on the farm’s size and the contract window.

  1. Transplant & maintain: set plants, hoe/weed, maintain rows, follow spraying/safety rules as assigned.
  2. Harvest: cut or pick according to tobacco type and maturity; handle plants/leaves carefully to reduce damage.
  3. Curing stage support: move plants to curing structures; hang/place as instructed for airflow and quality.
  4. Strip & grade: remove cured leaves, sort by condition and quality cues, keep lots organized.
  5. Bale & load: pack, tie, label (farm rules), and load bales for transport; maintain a clean work zone.
Quality matters: tobacco is graded by physical characteristics. Careful handling can affect the final pack-out process.

Typical tasks (role-dependent)

  • Transplanting, hoeing/weeding, row maintenance
  • Harvest assistance: cutting/picking, stacking, hauling
  • Curing support: moving/hanging/placing plants as instructed
  • Stripping cured leaves; sorting and basic grading
  • Packing, baling, loading for transport
  • End-of-shift cleanup and tool care
Work is outdoors and can be heat-intensive. Pace rises near harvest and packing windows.

Detailed requirements (what employers screen for)

CV (English)
Mandatory. Include farm/field work, packing, warehouse, or physically demanding roles.
Physical readiness
Able to stand, bend, lift/carry repeatedly; tolerate heat/humidity; work fast but safely.
Reliability
Attendance and punctuality are critical during harvest/packing peaks.
Safety discipline
Follow PPE and farm rules; keep distance from equipment; report hazards early.
Basic communication
Understand task instructions and quality cues; ask questions when unclear.
Availability
Seasonal availability for the contract window; schedule can extend by weather needs.

Short candidate portrait (best-fit profile)

  • Hands-on worker who prefers structured, repetitive tasks with clear output targets.
  • Heat- and weather-tolerant (outdoor field time is typical).
  • Quality-aware: careful handling, sorting discipline, keeps lots organized.
  • Calm under tempo: can maintain safety even when the pace increases.
  • Team-compatible: works in crews; accepts supervision and shift rotations.
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Gross pay (brutto) — realistic ranges for tobacco states

For H-2A farm work, the wage in the certified job order must meet the highest applicable wage rule. In practice, many tobacco contracts reference state AEWR floors for non-range agricultural work (with the final wage set by the job order and compliance rules). Below is a practical gross hourly snapshot for states commonly associated with tobacco operations.

State (common tobacco areas) Typical gross floor (USD/hour) Operational note (why it matters)
Kentucky (KY) $15.87 gross Common for burley tobacco workflows (harvest → curing → stripping → bale).
North Carolina (NC) $16.16 gross Often associated with flue-cured systems and harvest/curing support schedules.
Virginia (VA) $16.16 gross Similar wage floor to NC; duties vary by farm and contract phase.
Tennessee (TN) $15.87 gross Seasonal peaks can be intense; attendance consistency is a key screen.
South Carolina (SC) $16.08 gross Contracts may combine field and barn/packing tasks depending on timing.
Georgia (GA) $16.08 gross Hot-weather readiness is important; hydration discipline is expected.
Florida (FL) $16.23 gross Heat/humidity management and PPE compliance are emphasized.
Piece rate note: Some tasks can be paid by piece rate, but weekly earnings must still meet the required hourly wage floor for all hours worked.

What you should put on your CV for better selection: any farm work, harvest/packing, warehouse picking/packing, production line work, landscaping, construction helper roles, or any job that proves endurance, reliability, and safety discipline.

Current U.S. work conditions (H-2A-style contracts — practical summary)

Conditions depend on the employer and the certified job order, but tobacco contracts commonly follow a predictable structure. This section is written for candidates so you know what is typically included and what is typically non-negotiable.

Housing & living basics

  • Employer-provided housing is typical for H-2A workers (standards are regulated).
  • Housing rules (quiet hours, cleanliness, inspections) are enforced strictly.
  • Expect shared rooms and shared facilities in many sites (varies by employer).

Meals / cooking

  • Either meals are provided, or cooking facilities are provided for self-cooking.
  • If meals are provided, the contract usually states the method and any allowed charge.
  • Plan for personal groceries and basic kitchen routine if self-cooking.

Hours, payroll, transport

  • Schedule can shift due to weather; overtime rules depend on the contract and location.
  • Payroll is typically at least twice per month (or more frequent by local practice).
  • Inbound/outbound travel handling follows contract rules; keep receipts when required.
Tobacco-specific reality: the job can include sticky leaf handling, barn work, repetitive sorting, and fast packing windows. Employers typically require PPE compliance (gloves, appropriate footwear) and “no shortcuts” around equipment and trailers.

Next steps (how selection usually works)

  1. Create/upload your CV and ensure phone/email are correct.
  2. Role fit check: we match your experience to active employer needs (season timing matters).
  3. Shortlist stage: you may be asked clarifying questions about physical readiness and availability.
  4. Employer documentation: if shortlisted, the employer proceeds with official steps and contract terms.
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Important: This page is informational and not legal advice. Final eligibility and the authorization path depend on the employer, your profile, and official procedures.

FAQ (Tobacco Farm Worker — USA)

What makes tobacco farm work different from general farm labor?
Tobacco work often includes barn/shed phases: curing support, stripping cured leaves, sorting/grading, and baling. The workflow is quality-sensitive and can be physically repetitive during packing windows.
What is a realistic gross hourly pay range for this role?
A realistic gross hourly floor in common tobacco states often sits around $15.87–$16.23/hour (before taxes), depending on the state and the certified job order. The required wage can be higher if another applicable wage rate is higher.
Can employers pay piece rate instead of hourly?
Yes, some tasks can be piece-rated. However, weekly earnings must still meet the required hourly wage floor for every hour worked. If piece earnings fall short, the employer must supplement pay to reach the required level.
What are the most common rejection reasons at CV screening?
Missing English CV, unclear availability dates, no evidence of physical-work experience, incomplete contact details, or inconsistent job history. A simple, truthful CV with clear dates and practical tasks works best.
What should I emphasize in my CV for better selection?
Show reliability and endurance: harvest/packing, warehouse picking, production line work, landscaping, construction helper tasks, and any safety-focused work (PPE, equipment awareness). Add short bullet points describing what you physically did.
Will I work only in the field?
Not necessarily. Tobacco contracts often combine field work with curing/stripping/baling stages, especially later in the season. Rotation depends on the farm’s workflow and the contract period.

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 depends on the hiring employer, eligibility, and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.