On December 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published the 2022 Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs). The AEWRs are the mandatory minimum wages agricultural employers must pay workers employed under the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa program as well as any domestic workers employed in corresponding employment. The AEWRs are intended to prevent an adverse effect on domestic workers due to the employment of temporary foreign H-2A workers. 

Beginning December 28, 2021, H-2A employers with H-2A employees and domestic workers in corresponding employment in the Western Growers states must pay at least the 2022 AEWR, including on temporary labor certifications that are active before that date.* The following year-over-year increases will go into effect: 

• Arizona: 2021 – $13.67 2022 – $14.79 
• California 2021 – $16.05 2022 – $17.51 
• Colorado 2021 – $14.82 2022 – $15.58 
• New Mexico 2021 – $13.67 2022 – $14.79 

Nationwide, the average AEWR increase for the year is about 5%.   

For questions about H-2A or Western Growers H-2A labor services, please contact Jason Resnick at [email protected]. 

*note: this story has been updated to reflect the effective date as December 28, 2021, and not January 31, 2022, as previously published.