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How much can you save working on the H-2A: a simulation in dollars and reais
Learn to calculate how much you can save in an H-2A season: hourly pay, hours, deductions, expenses and conversion to reais, with an illustrative example.
Redação H2A Works Updated on October 30, 2026 6 min read
How much you save in an H-2A season depends on four things: hourly pay, hours worked, deductions and your expenses. The math is simple, and doing it beforehand helps you decide whether a job is worth it.
Quick answer: hourly pay × hours per week × weeks in the contract = gross amount. Subtract deductions and your expenses. What is left, multiplied by the day's dollar rate, is what you would have in reais. The numbers below are illustrative, not the pay of any specific job.
The formula
- Hourly pay, which is written in the job offer. See how much an H-2A worker earns.
- Hours per week, which can vary. The offer gives an estimate.
- Weeks in the contract, also stated in the offer.
- Deductions, such as taxes and contributions. See taxes on the H-2A.
- Your expenses: food, phone, leisure, sending money home.
