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Cattle Driver Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator II

Pagosa Springs, CO · On-site

$21.15 - $31.38/hr

... cattle guards, and clearing rocks, brush, and debris from roads and right of ways.Maintains and ... Possession of or ability to acquire a Colorado Class "A" CDL with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements ...

Equipment Operator II

Pagosa Springs, CO · On-site

$21.15 - $31.38/hr

... cattle guards, and clearing rocks, brush, and debris from roads and right of ways. * Maintains and ... Possession of or ability to acquire a Colorado Class "A" * CDL with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements ...

Showing results 41-58

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 job categories do people searching Cattle Driver jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Driver jobs in Colorado are:
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.

Operations Support 3 (CDL/DOT) - Wray, CO

Simplot

Wray, CO

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


J.R. Simplot rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.

Summary

Under general direction, the Operations Support performs a variety of job responsibilities which may include delivery of fertilizer and chemical products to customers from the retail office, customer service, vehicle maintenance, equipment and facility maintenance work, and fertilizer blending. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Performs varied responsibilities such as: equipment and plant maintenance including welding, pump and engine overhauls, painting, and general housekeeping responsibilities; loading and delivering fertilizer and chemicals to customers; operating equipment to blend fertilizer; monitoring product application by calculating amounts, calibrating equipment, controlling application rates, and cleaning and storing equipment after application process; receiving and unloading product and performing warehouse inventory and storage functions. Responsible for keeping a clean, orderly vehicle and organizing the warehouse and yard materials. 
  • Ensure the proper loading and operations of vehicles in compliance with DOT, OSHA and Hazmat regulations. Comply with all company and customer safety requirements. 
  • Miscellaneous duties such as assisting with special projects, attending training sessions, providing back-up when needed, and other work-related duties as assigned by supervisor/manager. 
  • Promote and live the Simplot brand to our customers, employees and community as the best-in-class Agricultural distributor.  Responsible for accurate, timely, and safe product deliveries and where applicable, product application. 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  

Typical Education

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).  Combination of education, training and/or experience will be considered for this position.  

Skills & Relevant Experience
  • 1+ years related experience and/or training  
  • Knowledge of basic farm equipment and operation preferred 
  • Ability to do a variety of tasks in succession, i.e., blending products together, loading a truck, and driving the truck to a farm.  
  • Ability to accurately and safely operate heavy equipment such as a sprayer/applicator and semi-truck and trailer.  
  • Ability to use a computer, including Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook – or mobile app.  
  • Ability to learn and manipulate company software.  
  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with management, other team members, and customers. 
Requirements
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) 
  • HazMat Endorsement 
  • Tanker Endorsement 
  • Applicators license desired, but not required
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs
  • Must be willing and able to work Ag-Industry hours, which may include:
    • Early mornings
    • Late evenings
    • Overtime as seasonal needs demand
    • Weekends and holidays as seasonal needs demand
  • Must have the ability to perform mathematical functions

 Job Requisition ID:  25998

Travel Required: Less than 10%

Location(s): SGS Retail - Wray

Country: United States
Wage range or rate of pay: $22 - $24/hour DOE, plus annual incentive plan eligibility
The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons.
Attractive total rewards package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision coverage
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Paid Family Building Leave
  • Generous Paid Time Off - Eligible employees may accrue up to 160 hours in year 1
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Relocation Assistance Program (where applicable)
  • Education Assistance
  • Benefits details available at simplotbenefits.com

**The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.*


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About Simplot

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boise, ID, US

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