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H-2A cost calculator

Enter your season parameters to estimate total H-2A program cost, cost per worker, and the effective hourly rate once housing, travel, visa fees, and the 3/4 guarantee are folded in. Every change updates the URL — copy it to share your scenario.

Your H-2A season

State-specific adverse effect wage rate

Seasonal, employer-provided

Inbound + outbound + subsistence

Consular + border

If employer provides meals

Total season cost
Total
$210,900
Per worker
$26,363
Effective $/hr
$20

Line items

AEWR wages
10,800 hrs × $16.5/hr
$178,200
3/4 guarantee buffer
Downside if season runs short
$0
Seasonal housing
8 × $2500
$20,000
Inbound + outbound travel
8 × $900
$7,200
Visa & consular fees
8 × $250
$2,000
Agent / attorney filing
Flat per petition
$3,500

Planning estimate only. Actual costs vary by state AEWR, housing market, and legal counsel. Confirm current figures at dol.gov before filing your ETA-790A.

What this calculator includes

  • AEWR wages at your state's 2026 adverse effect wage rate
  • 3/4 guarantee downside if the season runs short of contracted hours
  • Seasonal employer-provided housing (dorm or off-farm rental)
  • Inbound and outbound transportation plus daily subsistence
  • Consular fees, visa stamping, and border crossing
  • Agent or attorney flat filing fee for the ETA-790A petition
  • Optional employer-provided meals

What it does not include

  • Workers' comp insurance premiums (state-specific)
  • SAWS or FLSA overtime rules where they apply
  • Recruitment fees paid abroad (illegal to charge workers)
  • Farm-side supervision and translation labor
  • Housing depreciation or capital cost if you own dorms

Related reading

Turn this estimate into a working plan

BAU Farm Intelligence pairs your H-2A budget with day-by-day labor demand for every crop and field, so you can see whether the season pencils out before you file.