United States | DOL announces updated wage rate for H‑2A range workers effective Feb. 3

The Department of Labor has published a Federal Register Notice announcing the annual update of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H‑2A workers engaged in herding or the production of livestock on the range.

Key Points:

• According to the notice, “The minimum wage rates the DOL has determined must be offered, advertised in recruitment, and paid by employers to H-2A workers and workers in corresponding employment so that the wages and working conditions of workers in the United States (U.S.) similarly employed will not be adversely affected.”
• The updated monthly AEWR is set at $2,132.41 for 2026, reflecting a 3.6% increase based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Cost Index for private industry wages and salaries from September 2024 to September 2025.
• The notice also states, “Any employer certified or seeking certification for range workers must pay each worker a wage that is at least the highest of the various wage sources listed in 20 CFR § 655.211(a)(1), including the monthly AEWR of $2,132.41, at the time work is performed on or after the effective date of this notice.”

Additional Information: Contact BAL for help with reviewing wage compliance and analyzing impacts on labor certification filings and ongoing petitions.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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