Work and Travel USA Statistics — 2026 Season

Financial conditions change every season and vary significantly by state, employer, and type of vacancy. Therefore, the figures below are guidelines rather than guaranteed conditions of a specific vacancy. Hourly rate Published Summer Work Travel vacancies for the 2026 season include rates of approximately $12–13 to $18 per hour and higher, depending on the position. Some offers may have higher rates. The specific rate is determined by the employer, state, and position. Working hours A common guideline is about 30–40 hours per week. During less busy periods the number of hours may decrease, while during the peak season it may increase. Additional hours and overtime are not guaranteed. Housing Housing costs depend significantly on the region and employer. According to InterExchange, an approximate housing guideline is around $125–150 per week, although the specific terms of a vacancy may differ significantly. Under some Job Offers, housing may be cheaper, more expensive, or subsidized by the employer. Money for the first weeks InterExchange recommends having approximately $900–1,200 for initial expenses and unexpected costs after arrival in the United States. Overall expenses According to InterExchange, most participants spend approximately $3,500–4,000 during their stay in the United States. The actual amount depends on the length of the program, housing, transportation, food, travel, and personal expenses. Total earnings Total income depends not only on the hourly rate, but also on the number of hours actually worked, length of employment, tips, taxes, and living costs. Therefore, a specific amount of earnings or the amount remaining after the program cannot be guaranteed in advance. Before accepting a Job Offer, always rely on the specific conditions of the vacancy: the hourly rate, expected number of hours, housing, transportation, and work dates. The information in this article should be checked and updated before each new season.