The demand for poultry workers in the United States has grown significantly, making poultry farming one of the most attractive job opportunities for foreigners in 2025. With the U.S. poultry industry valued at over $46 billion annually, farms, factories, and processing plants are constantly searching for reliable labor to meet production goals.
Employers in this industry are opening their doors to international candidates through visa sponsorship, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and long-term employment opportunities.
For foreigners who are eager to build a stable career abroad, poultry jobs in the USA provide a pathway that combines financial stability with immigration prospects.
Workers can earn up to $20,000 or more annually depending on their roles, location, and level of experience. Entry-level positions may start at $12–$16 per hour, while more specialized roles such as supervisors and poultry health technicians can command higher pay.
Considering that many poultry farms also provide free or subsidized housing, transport allowances, and visa support, the real value of these jobs is much higher than the salary alone.
For individuals from countries where income opportunities are limited, relocating to the U.S. poultry industry with visa sponsorship represents both economic advancement and career security.
Visa sponsorship remains a critical factor in this sector because U.S. farms often struggle to find enough local labor willing to work in rural and agricultural environments.
By employing foreign workers, poultry businesses not only address labor shortages but also create mutually beneficial arrangements where workers receive stable employment and employers secure long-term staff.
This ensures that international applicants are welcomed, supported, and provided with all necessary immigration assistance to make relocation smooth and legal.
The importance of these jobs extends beyond personal gain. Poultry farming sustains America’s food supply chain, and workers are at the core of ensuring consistent production of chicken, turkey, and eggs.
Therefore, entering the poultry workforce in the USA with visa sponsorship not only provides income but also contributes to the nation’s agricultural strength.
Why Work in the Poultry Industry?
The poultry industry is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in the United States, producing billions of pounds of chicken and turkey meat every year.
For foreigners, this industry presents a stable source of employment with direct visa sponsorship options, which makes the process of relocating easier. Many workers are drawn to poultry jobs because of the reliable salary, career stability, and opportunities for long-term residency.
Unlike some industries where foreign workers face intense competition or uncertain job security, the poultry sector consistently experiences labor shortages.
Farms and processing facilities often require thousands of additional workers every year, which increases the chances of securing a position. Employers are eager to hire individuals who are hardworking, reliable, and willing to commit to the demands of poultry farming.
Financial Security and Salaries
One of the strongest reasons to work in the poultry sector is the earning potential. Workers can expect to earn between $25,000 and $35,000 annually in mid-level positions, with supervisors and specialized roles surpassing $45,000 per year.
Even entry-level workers earning around $13 per hour can accumulate close to $20,000 annually, especially when combined with overtime opportunities.
Visa Sponsorship Benefits
Visa sponsorship ensures that workers can enter the U.S. legally while having their immigration expenses covered by the employer.
In many cases, poultry farms handle H-2A or H-2B visa applications, paying the legal and administrative costs involved. For the worker, this eliminates financial stress and provides a direct path to employment without illegal risks.
Job Stability and Long-Term Growth
Unlike seasonal farm jobs that only last for a few months, poultry positions can be permanent. Many farms operate year-round, producing chickens and eggs daily, which means workers are required continuously.
This stability allows employees to build their careers, save money, and even bring family members later under family visa options.
Housing and Additional Perks
To attract workers from abroad, many poultry companies provide free or subsidized housing. Some offer on-site accommodation, meals, and transport to work facilities. This significantly reduces living expenses, allowing workers to save a greater percentage of their salary.
For example, an employee earning $20,000 annually but not paying rent could effectively save as much as $10,000 more than someone who pays for accommodation in a U.S. city.
Types of Poultry Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the USA
Poultry jobs cover a wide range of responsibilities, and employers sponsor foreign workers across multiple categories.
From manual labor to specialized technical roles, there are numerous opportunities for applicants regardless of skill level. Employers carefully match workers with suitable positions based on their prior experience, interest, and qualifications.
Poultry Farm Workers
Farm workers handle daily tasks such as feeding, watering, and cleaning poultry housing. They monitor the health of birds, collect eggs, and ensure the environment meets safety standards.
This is often the most common entry-level role available to foreign workers under visa sponsorship. Wages typically range from $12 to $15 per hour, and with overtime, workers can exceed $25,000 annually.
Processing Plant Workers
Processing roles involve packaging, slaughtering, and preparing poultry for distribution. These positions may require longer shifts but often pay higher rates because of the demanding nature of the work. Workers in processing plants can earn between $14 and $18 per hour, averaging up to $30,000 yearly with consistent overtime.
Poultry Technicians
Technicians focus on bird health, disease prevention, and vaccination. They may also monitor feed quality and check equipment. These roles require basic knowledge in veterinary care or agricultural science. Salaries for poultry technicians usually start at $35,000 per year, with room for advancement as experience grows.
Supervisory and Managerial Roles
Supervisors manage staff, production schedules, and compliance with safety regulations. Employers often recruit foreign candidates with leadership experience for these roles, offering salaries of $40,000–$55,000 annually.
Managers with long-term contracts may also qualify for employment-based visas that can lead to permanent residency.
Logistics and Packaging Staff
Logistics workers handle storage, packaging, and transportation of poultry products. These roles are vital to keeping the supply chain running smoothly. Workers may earn around $13–$16 per hour, depending on the region.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
One of the biggest advantages of poultry jobs in the USA is that most positions do not require advanced qualifications. Employers value dedication, physical stamina, and reliability over formal education.
For foreigners with limited academic backgrounds, this industry provides an equal opportunity pathway to U.S. employment and visa sponsorship.
Basic Physical Fitness
Most poultry roles involve physical labor, such as lifting, bending, or standing for long periods. Workers need to be healthy enough to meet these demands daily.
Willingness to Learn
Employers provide on-the-job training, meaning candidates only need the willingness to learn and adapt. Foreign workers without prior farming experience can still be successful in this industry.
Communication Skills
While fluency in English is not always mandatory, basic communication is essential. Employers often encourage workers to improve their language skills during employment, which can help in advancing to supervisory roles.
Experience in Farming or Food Industry
Although not required, previous experience in agriculture, animal care, or food processing can provide an advantage. Workers with these backgrounds may qualify for higher salaries or faster promotions.
Legal Compliance and Documentation
Applicants must have clean backgrounds, valid passports, and eligibility to apply for U.S. work visas. Employers typically assist in processing the H-2A or H-2B visa applications, but candidates need to meet immigration requirements.
Workers who meet these basic requirements can access one of the most consistent industries in the U.S., earning competitive salaries and gaining immigration benefits while supporting one of the country’s largest agricultural sectors.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
The poultry industry in the United States is spread across multiple regions, but wages and employment conditions vary significantly depending on location. Foreigners seeking poultry jobs with visa sponsorship should pay close attention to the states where demand is highest and where compensation is above the national average.
The southern states dominate poultry production, with Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi accounting for a large portion of the nation’s output.
However, the pay in these regions is often closer to the lower end of the wage scale, averaging $12 to $14 per hour for entry-level farm workers. While this provides stable employment and consistent overtime, workers aiming for higher earnings may want to consider states with stronger payment structures.
Midwestern States
Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri are recognized for their large poultry farms and advanced processing facilities. Wages in these states tend to be slightly higher, ranging between $14 and $17 per hour for farmhands and processing workers.
Specialized technicians can earn salaries closer to $40,000 annually in these regions. Employers here are also more open to offering housing benefits, which reduces living costs and increases real take-home pay.
Northeastern States
Pennsylvania and Delaware are well-known for their poultry industries, especially for chicken and egg production. The pay scale in the Northeast is often better than in the South due to higher living costs in the region.
Workers can earn between $15 and $18 per hour, and processing staff may take home up to $35,000 annually. For foreigners who wish to live closer to urban centers while working in agriculture, these states provide an ideal balance between pay and lifestyle.
Western States
California and Washington are emerging as strong competitors in poultry production, particularly in specialized organic and free-range farms. Because of stricter labor laws and higher minimum wage policies, workers in these states enjoy hourly wages ranging from $16 to $20.
Annual salaries can easily surpass $35,000, and supervisory positions often exceed $50,000. Visa-sponsored workers in these states benefit not only from better pay but also from improved worker protections and access to social benefits.
Texas as a High-Demand Hub
Texas deserves a special mention, as it combines large-scale poultry operations with competitive pay. Entry-level workers typically earn $14 to $16 per hour, while supervisors may earn as much as $45,000 annually.
With the state’s lower cost of living compared to California or New York, Texas allows foreign workers to save more money from their salaries.
Foreigners considering poultry jobs with visa sponsorship should carefully evaluate these regions, keeping in mind not just salaries but also the cost of living, housing options, and long-term career prospects.
The choice of location can determine whether a worker maximizes savings or simply manages to get by on wages.
Salary Expectations for Poultry Workers
When applying for poultry jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship, understanding the potential earnings is crucial. Salaries vary based on the type of role, location, and level of experience, but overall, poultry jobs offer a competitive wage compared to many other agricultural opportunities.
Entry-Level Salaries
Entry-level poultry workers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, translating to an annual income of $20,000 to $25,000.
For example, a worker employed full-time at $14 per hour with occasional overtime can expect to earn close to $27,000 annually. Employers often add housing allowances or free accommodation, effectively raising the worker’s net savings.
Mid-Level Salaries
Workers who gain experience or take on specialized responsibilities such as vaccination, disease monitoring, or equipment maintenance can earn higher salaries.
Mid-level positions usually pay between $30,000 and $35,000 annually. This tier often comes with additional benefits like health insurance or transport support.
Supervisory Roles
Supervisors and managers in poultry farms and processing plants command salaries from $40,000 to $55,000 per year. In regions like California or Washington, supervisory roles may even approach $60,000 annually because of higher minimum wage laws.
Many employers also use these roles to support long-term visa options such as the EB-3, which can eventually lead to permanent residency.
Specialized Technicians
Poultry health technicians or quality assurance staff often earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually. These roles demand more training and technical knowledge, but they also provide foreign workers with career growth opportunities that can extend beyond the poultry sector.
Annual Savings Potential
While the raw salary figures are attractive, the real advantage lies in the net savings foreign workers can make. For example, an entry-level worker earning $22,000 annually but living in employer-provided housing could save as much as $10,000 to $12,000 yearly after covering food and transport.
Over a three-year contract, this could translate into over $30,000 in savings, enough to invest in property, education, or business ventures back home.
For foreigners, poultry jobs with visa sponsorship provide a stable income, additional perks, and the chance to build savings that might not be possible in their home countries.
Visa Types and Options for Poultry Workers
One of the most important aspects of securing poultry jobs in the USA as a foreigner is visa sponsorship.
Employers typically handle the visa application process, ensuring that workers enter the country legally and are authorized to work. The type of visa depends on the role, duration of employment, and whether the job is seasonal or permanent.
H-2A Visa (Temporary Agricultural Workers)
The H-2A visa is the most common route for foreigners in poultry farming. It allows agricultural employers to bring in temporary foreign workers to fill seasonal roles when U.S. workers are unavailable.
This visa is usually valid for the duration of the job contract, often between 6 months and 1 year, with the possibility of extension up to 3 years. H-2A workers also receive free housing, transport reimbursement, and legal protections.
H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers)
For poultry processing plant workers, the H-2B visa is often more applicable. This visa covers temporary jobs outside of traditional farming but still within industries facing labor shortages.
Many poultry companies sponsor H-2B visas for workers in slaughtering, packaging, and logistics. Contracts typically last 6 to 10 months but can be renewed.
EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Green Card)
Some poultry employers may also sponsor workers for the EB-3 visa, especially for supervisory or skilled technician roles. This visa allows for permanent residency in the United States.
While the process is longer and requires greater commitment from the employer, it provides workers with a pathway to stay permanently in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship.
Family Sponsorship Options
Once employed, workers may become eligible to bring immediate family members under dependent visa categories, depending on the visa type. This makes poultry jobs attractive not just for individual workers but for entire families seeking relocation.
The availability of these visa options highlights why poultry jobs in the USA are accessible to foreigners. Employers understand that attracting international workers requires not only competitive salaries but also secure immigration support.
How to Find Poultry Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the USA
Foreigners interested in securing poultry jobs must know where to look and how to apply. The U.S. poultry industry actively recruits from abroad, but candidates must follow legitimate channels to avoid scams or fraudulent offers.
Employer-Sponsored Recruitment
The most reliable way to find poultry jobs is through direct recruitment by U.S. employers. Large poultry companies often advertise openings on their official websites and collaborate with international recruitment agencies to fill roles.
Applicants are usually required to submit resumes, undergo interviews, and provide supporting documents for visa processing.
Government-Approved Job Portals
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains job listings for H-2A and H-2B opportunities. Foreigners can use this resource to find legitimate openings and avoid fraudulent agents. These postings typically include employer details, job descriptions, salary information, and visa sponsorship commitments.
Recruitment Agencies
Several licensed agencies connect foreign workers with U.S. poultry companies. While agencies may charge service fees, workers should ensure they only deal with government-approved recruiters to avoid scams.
Employers typically cover visa costs, so workers should be cautious of agencies demanding excessive fees for visa processing.
Networking and Community Support
Many foreigners already working in the U.S. poultry industry assist friends or relatives in applying for similar jobs. Networking with existing workers provides insights into reputable employers, expected working conditions, and reliable recruitment pathways.
Application Process
Once a suitable job is found, candidates must submit an application including personal details, previous work experience, and willingness to relocate.
If selected, employers initiate the visa process, usually covering filing fees, legal costs, and travel reimbursement. Workers should keep copies of contracts, visa documents, and official correspondence to ensure transparency.
Foreign applicants who follow these steps increase their chances of securing stable employment, legal residency, and a pathway to long-term opportunities in the United States.
Poultry jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025 stand out as some of the most accessible, well-paying, and secure employment options available for foreigners seeking new opportunities abroad.