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$14

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How much do cattle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle driver in the United States is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.19 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 company in Texas is paying truckers $14000 a week?

There are no widely verified companies offering cattle drivers or truckers $14,000 per week. Such high wages are uncommon and may be associated with specialized or high-risk transportation roles, but job seekers should verify offers carefully to avoid scams. Typical weekly pay for cattle drivers is significantly lower and depends on experience, routes, and company policies.

Is there money in hauling cattle?

Cattle drivers can earn a decent income, especially with experience and good routes. Pay often depends on factors like distance, load size, and the employer, with some drivers earning hourly wages or per-mile rates. Additional skills such as proper animal handling and knowledge of transportation regulations can improve earning potential.

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 truck driver make?

A cattle truck driver typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. The job often requires knowledge of animal handling, driving large vehicles, and compliance with transportation regulations.

What are cattle drivers?

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.
More about Cattle Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Cattle Driver jobs? Cities with the most Cattle Driver job openings:
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Cattle Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cattle Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Nights, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)
Department
USMARC-0937
Requisition Number
S_260321
Posting Open Date
04/30/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
05/11/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) is a 34,000-acre facility near Clay Center, NE. All work performed at USMARC supports research that is focused on solving high priority problems for the U.S. cattle, sheep, and swine industries.
As a Cattle Ranch Hand, you will:
  • Provide a variety of basic agricultural duties to support research and production activities at an agricultural research facility in the beef livestock production area.
  • Provide general care and husbandry for approximately 800-1200 cattle.
  • Maintain machinery and fences,
  • Assist with pasture management
  • Assist with the collection of research data.

Irregular hours and work in inclement weather required. Travel between pastures and facilities required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock or beef industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a herdsman or cowboy.
Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.
About Us:
Looking for a job where you can advance professionally and have time for life outside work? UNL is consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming, supportive culture and outstanding benefits.
As a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:
  • Generous leave benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
  • Comprehensive insurance options: medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
  • Tuition assistance through employee and dependent scholarship programs
  • Retirement plans with university matching contributions
  • A workplace culture that values your time outside of work

Discover more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma plus one year of experience with the care and management of cattle required; equivalent education/experience considered.
  • Precision, accuracy and attention to detail necessary.
  • Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields and pastures essential.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Yes
Physical Required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
$18.00/hr minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Sheila Trampe, sheila.trampe@usda.gov
Job Category (old)
Office/Service
Job Type
Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State)
Clay Center, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date

Apply