1

Cattle Driver Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

As a feed truck driver, you will operate a feed truck and deliver feed to animals in an efficient ... Knowledge of cattle feedlot industry highly desirable. * Willingness to work non-traditional hours ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cattle Driver information

See Texas salary details

$13

$18

$27

How much do cattle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle driver in Texas is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.80 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 the most commonly searched types of Cattle Driver jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Cattle Driver jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Cattle Driver jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Cattle Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Cattle Driver job openings in Texas 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 $39,517 per year, or $19 per hour.

Feedyard Trainee - Cattle, Feed, Mill or Yard Departments

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Dalhart, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: Feedyard Trainee – Cattle, Feed, Mill, or Yard Departments

REPORTS TO: Department Manager

FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag-exempt

FUNCTION: Learns department roles, responsibilities in preparation for a management role in the future. Performs the following duties personally or through subordinates.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

  • May supervise employees on a limited basis. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

  • Assigned duties as they pertain to specific departmental roles and responsibilities. May include production job assignments in the area of experience and education for management preparation.

  • Complies with applicable OSHA, FDA, and EPA regulations; maintains appropriate compliance records.

  • Sets a positive example for employees by modeling safe work practices and following safety rules and policies. Communicates critical safety information to employees by conducting regular safety training; monitors workplace for unsafe/non-compliant behavior.

  • Participates in the development of department capital and operating budgets; manages expenses by studying historical data, anticipating needs, and researching costs.

  • Manages department supplies inventory by researching costs, designing inventory systems, determining inventory levels, anticipating needed supplies, and approving orders.

  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cattle:

  • Inspects incoming loads of cattle for miscounts, sick animals, or other inconsistencies between received load and A report; checks in cattle; records load information.

  • Utilizes a horse to ride through assigned pens and identify sick animals by observing outward signs of distress; segregates sick cattle for treatment by driving them to nearest hospital pen; calls deads in for removal.

  • Moves/drives cattle in a low-stress manner.

  • Assists in the shipment of fat cattle by opening gates, driving cattle to shipping areas for weighing; counting cattle and separating strays; checking withdrawals.

  • Medically treats livestock according to protocols established by management and consulting veterinarian; administers treatment in a humane manner.

  • Internally examines dead animals to determine the cause of death. Processes cattle by ear tagging, administering vaccines, implants, parasitics, and other preventive measures; sorts, re-implants, mass treats, and re-vaccinates cattle according to established protocol; administers vaccines and treatment according to label specifications.

  • Ensures that no animal leaves the facility without meeting applicable withdrawals by maintaining thorough and accurate records.

Feed:

  • Monitors cattle intake and assigns subsequent distribution of feed by familiarizing self with cattle eating patterns according to gender, days on feed, weather, and breed; maximizes feed intake of cattle by following guidelines issued by consulting nutritionist.

  • Ensures accurate feed delivery by monitoring feed bunks and assessing feed distribution, quantity, type, and timeliness of delivery.

  • Ensures that newly received cattle are fed in a timely manner by coordinating feeding with the cattle department.

  • Minimizes truck downtime by scheduling maintenance/repair; develops and implements feed truck preventative maintenance program.

  • Maintains cattle feeding records by compiling, entering, and analyzing information.

  • Fills in when a driver is absent or as necessary by operating a feed truck, hay machine or tractor.

Mill:

  • Minimizes mill downtime by completing maintenance requirements and scheduling maintenance/repair; develops and implements mill preventative maintenance program.

  • Monitors quality control of commodities received through regular inspection.

  • Maintains quality of finished feed rations by using quality ingredients and following recommendations from consulting Nutritionists.

  • Complies with applicable OSHA, FDA, and EPA regulations; maintains appropriate compliance records.

Yard:

  • Identifies current and future maintenance requirements through communication with management and production personnel.

  • Ensures operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by completing maintenance requirements for rolling stock including feed trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment, and scheduling maintenance and repair.

  • Coordinates utility repairs with appropriate service providers. Directs maintenance activities on water systems and tanks to provide a continuous supply of drinking water to livestock.

  • Maintains fencing and gates by repairing damage in a timely manner.

  • Maintains facility appearance by ensuring that grass/weeds are mowed regularly and trash is properly disposed of.

  • Plans and supervises all yard construction, renovation, and replacement projects.

  • Maintains roads, pens, and alleys by filling in holes, controlling dust, and removing accumulated manure.

  • Maintains environmental compliance and corresponding records according to specified EPA guidelines; collects soil and water samples for testing.

  • Utilizes best methods of planting, cultivation, harvesting, and knowledge of various climatic conditions on crops to ensure high yields; develops methods for control of noxious weeds, crop diseases, and insect pests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Undergraduate degree and one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software and Database software.

  • Valid driver’s license.

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

COMPETENCY:

Expected to coordinate projects, manage difficult or emotional employee situations, participate in meetings, understand business implications of decisions, work within the approved budget, develop and implement cost-saving measures, conserve organizational resources, demonstrate knowledge of EEO policy, adapt to changes in the work environment, exhibit sound, and accurate judgment, observe safety and security procedures, and report potentially unsafe conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in some work environments can be loud. The employee may be required to climb or balance and is exposed to work in high, precarious places. Exposure to cattle and horses, equipment, and machinery. Manual labor may be assigned as it pertains to on-the-job training for certain departments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mill employees are required to wear hardhat; eyes, ears, and respiratory protection daily. PPE assigned per department requirements. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, kneel, stand, sit, walk, run, bend stoop, twist, reach above and below, climb, and grasp. In some cases when working around livestock the ability to move quickly, jump and climb are imperative.

Apply Today!