Many U.S. employers hire foreign low-skill workers through special visa programs. These provide a work visa so people can legally enter and be employed in the U.S.
The most common programs are H-2A for short-term agriculture jobs, and H-2B for short-term non-agriculture jobs. H-2A and H-2B visas allow U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for seasonal, temporary or intermittent work when qualified U.S. candidates are not available.
This article looks at some of the low-skill H-2A and H-2B jobs that could earn up to $70,000 or more in 2024/2025.
Highest Paying Low-Skill H-2 Visa Jobs
The following are some of the highest paying H-2A and H-2B positions open to foreign workers without special skills or degrees:
| Job Title | Salary Range | Common H-2 Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Oil rig roustabout | $50,000 – $70,000 | H-2B |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) | $50,000-$75,000 | H-2B |
| Computer-controlled machine tool operator | $40,000-$65,000 | H-2B |
| Construction supervisor | $60,000-$80,000 | H-2B |
| Forestry equipment operator | $35,000-$60,000 | H-2B |
| Irrigation tech | $30,000-$50,000 | H-2A |
| Head beekeeper | $40,000-$75,000 | H-2A |
| Farm buyer | $60,000-$100,000 | H-2A |
These salaries show it’s possible to reach an annual income over $70K through some lower-skilled H-2 occupations. Next we’ll look into the visa programs and positions in more detail.
All About H-2 Visas
The H-2 visa category has two main programs:
- H-2A: for seasonal/temporary agricultural jobs.
- H-2B: for seasonal/temporary non-agriculture jobs.
Employers must prove they need overseas workers for short-term jobs, and certify there are no qualified U.S. applicants available.
The jobs require little prior training or experience. Most H-2 workers have a high school-level education or less.
H-2A Visa Requirements
H-2A agricultural workers can stay in the U.S. for up to 3 years maximum. Common H-2A jobs include:
- Fruit & vegetable pickers
- Packers & sorters
- Farm equipment operators
- Ranch helpers
The current H-2A minimum salary is $15.83 per hour ($32,920 annual). Provided housing and transport is also mandatory.
H-2B Visa Requirements
H-2B seasonal non-farm workers can stay in the U.S. for up to 10 months maximum each year. Common H-2B jobs include:
- Hospitality & tourism staff
- Landscapers & groundskeepers
- Construction assistants
- Meatpackers & factory workers
The current H-2B wage rule allows payment of up to the 35th percentile of local wages, determined by state and job title. There is no fixed minimum salary.
Best-Paying H-2 Occupations
Let’s explore some of the highest-earning options in both the H-2A and H-2B categories:
Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $45,000
Visa Type: H-2A
Irrigation techs install, maintain, monitor and repair irrigation systems on commercial farms. Good money in an essential agricultural support role.
Oil Rig Roustabout
Average Salary: $55,000
Visa Type: H-2B
Entry-level roughneck workers assisting drilling crews on oil rigs. Hard physical work but salaries start around $50K.
Farm Buyer
Average Salary: $75,000
Visa Type: H-2A
Experienced purchasing agents source goods/commodities for agricultural businesses. Lucrative role in the corporate farming sector.
Construction Supervisor
Average Salary: $65,000
Visa Type: H-2B
Oversees building projects and coordinates construction teams. Supervisory roles bring higher wages.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Average Salary: $48,000
Visa Type: H-2B
Provides basic nursing care, takes vital signs and monitors patients. An emerging H-2B field amid nationwide LPN shortages.
Getting an H-2 Sponsorship Job
The best way for foreign workers to secure H-2 sponsorship is:
- Apply for positions listed on State Workforce Agency job boards – U.S. employers seeking H-2 workers often advertise there first.
- Look for openings on international job boards and classifieds. Some U.S. companies now advertise directly overseas.
- Develop in-demand skills like irrigation, beekeeping, welding, and carpentry which are commonly sponsored.
Speaking some conversational English also helps improve access to employee housing/transport and integration at U.S. worksites.
Things to Note Before Arrival
If you secure an H-2 job offer, be aware that:
- The employer controls your legal work authorization and typically arranges housing.
- Worksite options are often in remote rural locations.
- The job has fixed start/end dates matching the visa validity.
- H-2 workers have no path to permanent residency in the U.S.
Even with these conditions, a 1-3 year stint stateside earning USD can transform your financial situation back home.
Future Outlook
Strong ongoing demand should continue for H-2 seasonal guest workers, especially in agriculture and supporting construction/driving roles.
The annual visa caps will likely keep rising or be lifted altogether. So get your skills and English language abilities up to standard to take advantage!
