Foreign farm workers get new wage floor, tied to local wages and housing costs

The US Labor Department changed how it calculates minimum wages for temporary foreign farm workers. Their pay will now be based on local wage data and adjusted for employer-provided housing.

For years, the minimum wage for these workers was based on a national survey that did not always reflect local labor markets. This change means foreign farm workers will likely see higher wages, especially in areas where local wages are higher. It also means employers will have to factor in the value of housing when calculating pay, which could increase their labor costs.