Explore Fruit Picking & Orchard jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship for 2026 under the H-2A agricultural worker program. These roles include harvesting apples, cherries, grapes, berries, citrus, and other orchard fruits while earning a competitive wage typically in the range of $13 to $25+ per hour depending on location, crop type, and experience. Many employers also provide free or subsidized housing, transport to and from work sites, meals, and overtime opportunities during peak harvest seasons. This seasonal agricultural work offers international applicants legal employment with visa support, practical farm experience, and the chance to work across diverse U.S. farming regions.
What Does an Orchard Worker Do?
The role involves the cultivation and harvest of fruit trees. The work is physical but straightforward, set in a natural outdoor environment.
Typical duties include:
- Harvesting fruits (apples, peaches, cherries, pears, citrus).
- Pruning, thinning, and training trees.
- Planting and irrigating new saplings.
- Sorting, grading, and packing harvested fruit.
- General orchard maintenance (clearing debris, weeding).
- Operating basic tools and equipment, sometimes using ladders or mobile platforms.
Work is typically performed in teams during daylight hours, with a focus on seasonal rhythms.
Why the U.S. is Hiring Foreign Orchard Workers?
The United States possesses vast fruit-growing regions but faces a chronic shortage of domestic labor for seasonal agricultural work. Major producing states—including Washington, California, Michigan, Oregon, and New York—rely on international workers to sustain their harvests. The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Visa program is the legal mechanism enabling U.S. orchard owners to sponsor foreign workers to fill this essential need.
Visa Sponsorship: The H-2A Program:
The H-2A visa is the cornerstone for these roles. Key features:
- Purpose: For temporary or seasonal agricultural labor.
- Process: The U.S. employer (farmer/contractor) must obtain a labor certification proving a shortage of domestic workers and file a petition to sponsor you.
- Employer Obligations: The sponsor must provide free housing, transportation from and to your home country, and pay the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) or the applicable state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- Duration: Tied to the seasonal contract, typically lasting from a few months up to 10 months.
Who Can Apply?
These are accessible roles with minimal formal barriers. Essential criteria include:
- Minimum age of 18.
- Physical fitness and ability to perform demanding manual labor in all weather conditions.
- Ability to follow basic instructions; some English proficiency is highly beneficial for safety and communication.
- A clean criminal background.
- A valid passport.
No prior farm experience is strictly required, though it is advantageous.
Primary Job Locations:
Opportunities are concentrated in key fruit-producing states:
- Washington: Apples, cherries, pears.
- California: Peaches, plums, citrus, nuts.
- Michigan & New York: Apples, cherries, grapes.
- Oregon & Pennsylvania: Pears, apples, berries.
- Florida: Citrus.
Salary and Benefits:
Earnings for 2026:
- Hourly Wage: Determined by the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which varies by state. Expect a range of approximately $17 – $22 USD per hour.
- Weekly Pay: Approximately $680 – $880+ for a standard 40-hour week, with potential for overtime during peak harvest.
Mandatory Employer-Provided Benefits:
- Free Housing in employer-provided barracks or shared dwellings.
- Transportation reimbursement for international travel and daily travel to worksites.
- Workers’ Compensation insurance for on-the-job injuries.
- Meals or access to cooking facilities.
How to Apply?
Step 1: Prepare Basic Documents
- A simple Resume/CV highlighting any physical or outdoor work.
- A copy of your valid passport.
Step 2: Find a Legitimate Employer or Recruiter
- Search the U.S. Department of Labor’s Seasonal Jobs website for certified H-2A job orders.
- Work with international recruitment agencies authorized to recruit for the U.S. H-2A program. Verify their legitimacy thoroughly.
- Research large U.S. fruit grower cooperatives and farming operations that sponsor workers.
Step 3: Secure a Job Contract
If selected, you will receive a job offer and work contract outlining wages, hours, housing, and other terms as required by H-2A regulations.
Step 4: Visa Application
Your employer will file the H-2A petition. Upon approval, you will apply for your H-2A visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Conclusion:
Orchard jobs in the USA provide a legitimate and structured pathway for international workers to enter the American agricultural sector, offering fair pay, essential benefits, and legal protection under the H-2A program. For those willing to embrace physical, seasonal work, this opportunity is more than employment it’s a doorway to financial stability, cultural exchange, and the potential for recurring work in one of the world’s most robust farming economies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average pay for an orchard worker in USA?
Hourly wages typically range from $14 to $18, with weekly earnings of $560–$720 for full-time hours. Overtime may be available during peak harvest.
Do I need farming experience or English fluency?
No prior experience is required training is provided. Basic English is helpful but not always mandatory, as many supervisors offer bilingual support.
