The United States remains an agricultural powerhouse—regularly ranking among the top global producers and exporters of apples, cherries, grapes, citrus, stone fruit, berries, and more. With ongoing labor shortages across orchards, Orchard Worker Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship are open for 2025, offering competitive pay, safe working conditions, and a straightforward pathway via the H-2A seasonal worker program.
Job Snapshot
- Role: Orchard Worker (Fruit Picking/Pruning/General Orchard Hand)
- Industry: Agriculture
- Type: Full-time, Seasonal (with potential renewal)
- Openings: 4
- Pay: USD $15–$20 per hour (overtime/bonus possible during peak)
- Who Can Apply: All nationalities (visa sponsorship available via H-2A)
- Sample Employer: Taylor Farms In Wood (as listed)
Key Requirements
- Education: Not required (some employers prefer a high school diploma).
- Experience: ~3 months orchard/farm experience preferred.
- Visa: Eligible for H-2A Seasonal Work Visa, Working Holiday (where applicable), student/work authorization, or permanent/temporary residency.
- Fitness: Able to climb & carry ladders up to ~22 ft, lift up to 50–60 lbs, and work on your feet in variable weather.
- Language: Basic English for safety & instructions.
- Safety & Compliance: Comfortable with PPE, field safety rules, and working near pesticides (per federal standards).
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Pre-harvest: Weeding, hoeing, leaf raking, soil loosening, fence/post setting, basic repairs.
- Harvest: Hand-pick fruit (apples/peaches/cherries, etc.), sort & separate defects, and meet grade standards (e.g., <2% culls/waste where applicable).
- Post-harvest: Pack, weigh & label cartons; stage loads for transport.
- Tree Care: Manual pruning, thinning, ladder work, and moving ladders safely across rows.
- Quality Targets: Typical orchard targets like ~16.5 bushels/hour (varies by employer/crop).
- Environment: Work outdoors in heat/cold, light rain, dust; follow strict safety instructions.
Related: Unskilled Jobs in Canada 2025 with Visa Sponsorship
Why This Role (Benefits)
- Visa Sponsorship (H-2A): Employer handles petition & compliance.
- Competitive Wages: $15–$20/hour, with peak-season overtime potential.
- Housing/Meals: Many H-2A employers provide free housing and no-cost or low-cost meals (or per-diem).
- Insurance & Safety: Workers’ comp; medical coverage for job injuries per program rules.
- Weekly Pay & Steady Hours: Especially during peak harvest windows.
- Pathways: Seasonal renewals; chance to return annually; strong references help future US roles.
H-2A Visa at a Glance
- Designed for temporary/seasonal agricultural work.
- Employer must prove a labor shortage and secure a valid job order & certification.
- Employer typically covers visa-related fees, housing, and local transport as required by law.
Expected Pay (2025)
Most orchard roles pay USD $15–$20/hour, depending on state, crop, and experience. Peak harvests and productivity bonuses can push earnings higher. (Avoid confusing this with security-industry pay—this role is purely agricultural.)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare your resume (farm/orchard tasks, physical abilities, any equipment you’ve used).
- Gather documents: Passport, references, police & medical clearances (as requested).
- Search & apply through reputable channels and direct employer listings:
- Keywords: “Orchard Worker H-2A USA 2025”, “Fruit Picking Jobs USA Visa Sponsorship”, “Apple/Cherry Orchard Jobs H-2A”.
- Target states with strong orchard output (e.g., WA, CA, MI, NY, OR).
- Respond quickly to interview or screening requests.
- Follow employer’s H-2A instructions for consular scheduling and travel.
Apply to the Sample Listing
If you’re applying to the sample employer provided in your brief:
- Phone: +1 (304) 229-1194
- Email: taylorfarmsinwood@gmail.com
(Contact details included as you provided them. Always verify employer information before sending personal documents.)
Pro Tips to Stand Out
- Highlight ladder work, hand-harvest speed/quality, pruning/thinning, and any equipment (bin trailers, hydra-ladders, tractors—with proof of training).
- Mention endurance, teamwork, punctuality, and safety record.
- If you’ve worked to USDA grades or specific pack standards, include that.
Final Word
If you’re ready for hands-on, outdoor work with reliable pay and a legal visa pathway, Orchard Worker Jobs in the USA (H-2A) are a proven route in 2025. Apply now, prepare your documents early, and aim for peak seasons to maximize earnings.