Ohio growers

Ohio H-2A help for farms, nurseries & greenhouses

Ohio has one of the largest nursery and greenhouse industries in the U.S., along with strong vegetable and fruit production. We help Ohio growers start an H-2A program or file the one they already run, on time and with clear costs.

Ohio H-2A wage rates

Current Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for field and livestock workers, effective August 3, 2026.

Skill Level I
entry level
Skill Level II
experienced
H-2A workers$13.11$16.89
U.S. workers$14.42$18.20

The H-2A rate is the U.S. rate minus a $1.31/hour housing adjustment, because H-2A workers receive free housing. You must pay the highest of the AEWR, the prevailing wage, or the federal or state minimum wage.

Lowest starting rate in Ohio: $13.11/hour (H-2A Skill Level I rate). Ohio's state minimum wage is below the H-2A rate, so the H-2A rate is the floor.
Heads up: On Aug. 26, 2026, a federal court found the method behind these rates unlawful. DOL must publish new rates, and farms may owe back pay to workers for hours since Sept. 2, 2026. Check your back pay risk →

Book a free H-2A consult

Tell us a little about your farm and we'll call or email you within one business day.

Typical Ohio H-2A crops and start dates

Start the paperwork about 4 to 5 months before your crew needs to arrive. Here's when common Ohio jobs start:

Crop / workTypical season
Nursery & greenhouseNortheast Ohio's big nursery belt; crews start February–April
VegetablesPlanting April–May, harvest June–October
Processing tomatoesHarvest August–September
Apples & fruitHarvest August–October
Grain & hay equipment operatorsPlanting April–May and harvest September–November

Seasons vary by region and year. We set your exact dates during the consultation. Plan your filing deadlines →

How we help Ohio growers

First-time programs

We take you from "is this right for us?" to workers arriving. That includes the job order, housing inspection, the DOL filing and travel.

Filing only

Already run your own crew? We prepare and file your Ohio job order and DOL application at a flat, upfront price.

Small farms welcome

Need 2 to 10 workers? You'll get the same attention as a large operation.

Ready to plan your Ohio season?

A 20-minute call is free. We'll tell you if H-2A fits your operation and what it will cost.

Book a free H-2A consult

Other states we serve: Michigan · Illinois · Indiana · Florida · Georgia · North Carolina · New Jersey