How to hire undocumented landscape workers in Montgomery County, MD) (2025 Update)

That's how they make a living, what's wrong with that?

I'm across the river in Arlington and while I haven't directly hired any "immigrant" workers several of my pals are contractors and do so regularly. Sooo. . .

Going rate last time I looked was $8/hr for unskilled hauling and digging, $10-12 for skilled or a crew boss. The rate fluctuates depending on the length of the job - multi-day jobs pay slightly less per hour b/c it's guarranteed work for several days. If these guys aren't working they're not making money.

$8 is the floor rate for hourly. You provide lunch, that's a given.

Nope, not as a one-off. These guys are, unless you hire them for more than a certain number of hours, independent contractors not employees, so they're responsible for taxes, medical, etc. INS will sweep the Casa, not a small job like yours.

Yes, cash. No, taxes - see above.

Yes.

Yes. Assuming you're hiring 2-3 workers one should speak enough English to translate your instructions for the others.

Yes. It's customary and also a show of respect.

Having been ripped off by a native born Caucasian contractor I'd say it's as safe as any alternative. This is life, no guarrantees.

To minimize the opportunity for theft make sure you show them the nearest bathroom to the outdoors as their bathroom and close any interior doors between the outside door and the bathroom. Also remove any "tempting" small objects along the route. Since you'll be transporting them to and from the job I don't think you'll have to worry about TVs or stereos walking out the door.

Actually you're safer if you hire 2-5 guys and include a crew chief - the guys will police themselves. Even if you pick one troublemaker the others will make sure nothing happens because the last thing any of these guys want is a visit from the police.

Pick the crew chief first, make sure he understands the job and let him pick the rest of the crew.

If it moves por favor and gracias it. Let your crew chief handle the discipline if any.

Good luck,

Marc

If you cant speak the language , and dont KNOW landscaping it might end up costing you 4000 in labor for a less than perfect job , And no warranty, If one gets injured , you pay out of your pocket. Bottom line it could go great if you got a few guys that speak english and work hard, or it could go bad if they are bad apples.

on Long Island between 80-120 a day depending on skill you pick up and drop off get one guy english speaking guy to act as a forman. If they work well get the same guys the next day. If the forman is good give him more. I saw one guy that was a real carpenter in mexico he was highley skilled fast and accurate. saw another guy who said "yes carpenter very good" even as a helper he was not good.

Regards Gary

Put aside a few grand to deal with the feds if the neighbor complains that you hired undocumented laborers. Good grief. There are lots easier ways to get in trouble.

(All but this group snipped)

Steve, you're slipping. That was too calm... :)

NOI

Yea...I thought about that as I sent it..

If the law were enforced the wet-backs wouldn't get in. They'd still be in Mexico where they belong.

RB

rck wrote: