Adverse Effect Wage Rate

The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is the minimum hourly wage that employers must pay agricultural workers when hiring them through certain government programs, like the H-2A visa program. It is set annually to ensure wages keep pace with regional wage levels and prevent negative impacts on local workers’ pay and employment opportunities. The AEWR helps protect domestic workers while allowing farmers to legitimately bring in foreign labor when necessary. Essentially, it’s a benchmark wage designed to balance labor market stability and fair compensation in agriculture.