Episode 03 · Solo · Thursday, October 22, 2026
H-2A Math: The Real Cost of a Crew of Five
Everything that goes into the cost of a five-worker H-2A crew beyond the hourly wage: housing, transportation, meals, fees, and the three-quarter guarantee.
“Everyone argues about the H-2A wage rate. The wage isn't the number that sinks the budget. It's everything else on the list.”
Episode plan
0:00–2:00
The wage argument
Why the Adverse Effect Wage Rate gets the headlines, and why it's only part of the cost.
2:00–8:00
The required costs
Housing that passes inspection, daily transportation, meals or kitchen access, inbound and return travel, and visa and recruitment fees the employer must cover.
8:00–13:00
The three-quarter guarantee
You owe pay for at least 75% of the hours promised in the contract, even when weather cuts the season short.
13:00–18:00
Cost per worker per hour
Adding it all up for a crew of five and comparing it with local hires and custom harvest crews.
18:00–22:00
When it makes sense
Timing, paperwork lead time, and which crops and acreages usually justify the program.
Key takeaways
- Figure the full cost per worker, not just the wage.
- Plan for the three-quarter guarantee in a bad-weather year.
- Start paperwork months before you need the crew.
Sources we use
- U.S. Department of Labor H-2A program requirements (20 CFR 655)
- USDA Farm Labor Survey
Put your crew size into the H-2A calculator and compare it with your current labor cost.
Use the H-2A cost calculatorAudio and full transcript will be added here when this episode is released.