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Agricultural employment and wages


Agricultural workforce reports

LMEA has produced agricultural workforce reports since 1999. These reports provide information on agricultural employment, wage rates and H-2A prevailing wages and employment practices. The 2016 Agriculture Workforce Report is now available.

Agricultural peak employment wage and practice survey

Historically, LMEA has conducted an agricultural peak employment wage and practice survey every two years. The survey, previously referred to as the fruit growers wage survey, focused on apple thinning and the apple, cherry and pear harvests.

Beginning in 2015, LMEA began conducting the survey annually and surveying for all occupations and activities for which employers have requested temporary workers through the agricultural recruitment system. For 2016, LMEA conducted both employer and worker surveys to gain a greater understanding of agricultural wages and practices in Washington state. Data collection of the 2016 surveys ended December 16, 2016.  

The 2016 Agricultural wage and practice survey results are now available. 

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) uses the survey results to establish wage rates and employment standards required in agricultural employment contracts, including H-2A guest worker contracts. DOL posts prevailing wage rates for Washington state in their Agricultural Online Wage Library.

For more information, contact Gustavo Aviles.

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.