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Cattle Driver Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

JBS Carriers, Inc.

DRIVER MANAGER

Greeley, CO

Greeley Cattle Operations Location: Greeley, CO Reports to: Terminal Manager Position Overview: The Driver Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing a team of drivers, ensuring efficient ...

JBS Carriers, Inc.

DRIVER MANAGER

Greeley, CO · On-site

$57K/yr

Greeley Cattle Operations Location: Greeley, CO Reports to: Terminal Manager Position Overview: The Driver Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing a team of drivers, ensuring efficient ...

JBS Imports

DRIVER MANAGER

Greeley, CO · On-site

$57K/yr

Greeley Cattle Operations Location: Greeley, CO Reports to: Terminal Manager Position Overview: The Driver Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing a team of drivers, ensuring efficient ...

5rcattle

Yard Hand

Johnstown, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC Corporate Office - Johnstown, CO Reports To: Controller; Feed Yard ... Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25-30% of the time; valid driver's license ...

5rcattle

Yard Hand

Johnstown, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC Corporate Office - Johnstown, CO Reports To: Controller; Feed Yard ... Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25-30% of the time; valid driver's license ...

Halter

Senior Talent Specialist - GTM

Denver, CO · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Imagine watching 500 cattle stand up and walk calmly towards their next break? No quad bikes, no ... We fundamentally believe the biggest driver of company success will be the speed and quality of our ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCattle Driver JobsCattle Driver Jobs in Colorado

Cattle Driver information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$21

$30

How much do cattle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle driver in Colorado is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cattle driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cattle Driver, you need strong livestock handling skills, physical stamina, and basic animal husbandry knowledge, often gained through experience or agricultural training. Familiarity with tools such as lassos, horse tack, ATVs, and sometimes GPS systems is important for managing herds efficiently. Good communication, situational awareness, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills for coordinating with team members and responding to unexpected challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient movement of cattle and minimize stress or injury to animals, which is vital for successful ranch operations.

What are some common challenges faced by cattle drivers during long drives, and how can they be managed?

Cattle drivers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, maintaining herd cohesion, and ensuring the health and safety of the cattle over long distances. Managing these issues involves strong planning skills, effective communication with team members, and the ability to quickly respond to emergencies like stray animals or sudden storms. Successful cattle drivers also monitor the herd for signs of stress or illness and coordinate rest and feeding stops to keep the animals in good condition throughout the journey.

What is the difference between Cattle Driver vs Ranch Hand?

AspectCattle DriverRanch Hand
CredentialsNone typically required, experience preferredNone required, some experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentOpen ranges, pastures, ranchesRanches, farms, open fields
Industry UsageLivestock transportation, cattle herdingGeneral ranch work, livestock care

While both Cattle Drivers and Ranch Hands work in livestock environments, Cattle Drivers primarily focus on moving cattle over long distances, often requiring experience in handling animals and navigation. Ranch Hands perform a broader range of tasks, including feeding, fencing, and general ranch maintenance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles that match their skills and career goals.

How much do cattle drivers get paid?

Cattle drivers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and the size of the operation. Compensation may also include room and board, especially for seasonal or long-distance drives, and requires physical stamina and knowledge of livestock handling.

How much money does a cattle driver make?

A cattle driver typically earns between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the herd. Many cattle drivers work long hours in outdoor environments and may receive additional compensation or benefits based on their employer and workload.

What is a cattle driver?

Cattle drivers are workers responsible for moving herds of cattle from one location to another, often over long distances. They guide and manage the animals along trails, ensuring the herd stays together and reaches its destination safely. This job requires knowledge of animal behavior, navigation, and handling livestock, as well as physical endurance. Cattle drivers often work in teams and may use horses or other means to keep control of the herd.
What are popular job titles related to Cattle Driver jobs in Colorado? For Cattle Driver jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Driver jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Driver jobs in Colorado are:
Cattle Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cattle Driver job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,601 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Pen Rider - Burlington Feeders

Cactus Feeders Co.

Burlington, CO

$15.16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About the Company:

Cactus Feeders is an Amarillo, Texas-based cattle company. Originally founded by the Engler Family in 1975, today we operate 15 Feedyards and Outside Cattle Locations producing over a million head of fed cattle annually. The Company has locations throughout the Texas Panhandle, Southwest Kansas, and Eastern Colorado.

Location

Burlington, Colorado – Cactus Feeders is currently managing 3 growyards in the Burlington area, located approximately 6 miles apart. Together, these growyards have a one-time feeding capacity of approximately 25,000 head. We are seeking experienced and dedicated Pen Riders to join our animal health team.


Schedule: Full-Time | Rotational Weekends | Outdoor Work Environment


Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor cattle health and behavior daily; identify and pull sick or injured animals for treatment
  • Administer medication and treatments under supervision of veterinary or animal health protocols
  • Assist with sorting, processing, and shipping of cattle
  • Ride pens and perform inspections on horseback and on foot
  • Maintain accurate records and communicate observations to the animal health crew and supervisors
  • Identify and report maintenance needs related to fences, gates, water systems, and other facility structures
  • Assist in general yard maintenance and sanitation tasks as needed
  • Work safely and efficiently as part of a team in a fast-paced, outdoor environment
  • Other duties as assigned


Job Requirements:

  • Ability to ride, handle, and maintain personal horses capable of working in a feedyard setting
  • Knowledge of cattle behavior, handling techniques, and low-stress livestock handling (highly preferred)
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Physical ability to: stand, walk, ride, kneel, and bend for extended periods
  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs
  • Work in all weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, dust)
  • Basic communication and record-keeping skills
  • High school diploma or GED (preferred but not required)
  • Team-oriented with a strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail

Pay & Benefits:

  • Hourly Wage: $15.16–$20 per hour (based on experience, skills, and qualifications)
  • Full-time position
  • Bi-weekly pay with direct deposit
  • Competitive & affordable health + dental + vision insurance packages
  • 100% paid retirement through Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • 401K
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Continuing Education Scholarships


Cactus Feeders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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