Temporary agricultural workers hired under the program of H-2A visas In North Carolina, they face a significant salary reduction in 2026 due to a change in federal regulations which changed the way minimum wages in the sector are calculated.
The North Carolina Legal Aid Farmworker Division reported that an interim final rule published by the U.S. Department of Labor in October 2025 has now taken effect and establishes new standards for determining how much H-2A workers should earn.
According to the organization, the changes resulted in the salaries approved for 2026 being considerably lower than those in effect during 2025.
Until this year, the minimum wage for H-2A workers in North Carolina was $16.16 per hour, according to federal rates. published for 2025.
What changes with the new rule
Farmworker Legal Aid explained that the new regulation modifies the methodology used by the federal government to calculate H-2A wages.
Among the main changes, the regulation establishes different salaries according to two levels of job qualification. It also allows employers to apply salary reductions related to accommodation costsIt also requires different wage rates for workers who perform specialized functions for most of their contract, such as machine operators, truck drivers, cooks for agricultural workers, and mechanics.
The organization indicated that these modifications significantly alter the salary structure that was used until now within the program.
Minimum wage for agricultural workers with H-2A visas in North Carolina in 2026
According to information released by Legal Help for Farm WorkersWorkers who perform tasks directly in the field must receive a minimum wage of at least $11.09 per hour worked in 2026, regardless of whether they are paid by the hour, by the can, or by the bucket.
H-2A Salary Calculator in 2026
The minimum wage for agricultural workers with H-2A visas in North Carolina in 2026 is $ 11.09 per hourIt is illegal for your employer to pay you less than the minimum wage. Enter your weekly pay and hours worked to calculate if your pay meets the minimum wage.
This tool is for informational purposes only. Some H-2A workers may be entitled to higher wages depending on their duties, specialization, or specific conditions agreed upon in their contract.
Some workers may be entitled to higher wages if they perform specialized tasks, work outside the field, or have approved contracts with higher pay.
The experts also recommended that workers carefully review their pay stubs.
“When you receive your pay at the end of the week, divide your total pay by the number of hours worked. If the number you get is less than $11.09, your employer must pay you the difference,” the organization stated.
Resources for H2A workers: Guide for agricultural workers
Regulation still faces uncertainty
So far, the rule is provisional and faces a legal challenge.
Some organizations representing farmworkers filed a lawsuit questioning the legality of the changes implemented by the Department of Labor.
For that reason, there is a possibility that a final regulation with additional modifications will be published in the coming months, or that a court will determine that some of the changes are not valid.
Meanwhile, experts recommend that workers stay informed about future updates that may affect their wages and working conditions.
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