October 2, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Labor has rolled out a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) that changes how wages are set for H-2A agricultural workers.
Instead of a national average, the new system uses state-specific, skill-based pay rates that better reflect local market conditions. It also adds a housing adjustment for employers who provide free housing — and keeps the familiar “highest-of” rule, meaning you’ll still pay whichever rate is highest among the applicable wage sources.
What this means for you:
- More precise job descriptions and SOC codes will be essential for compliance.
- Wages will increasingly align with each worker’s skills and experience.
- Planning ahead will help avoid surprises when the new rates take effect.
The goal is to make wage rates fairer, more localized, and more predictable — while keeping strong protections for both U.S. and H-2A workers.
👉 Need help navigating the new rule?