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Cattle Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ranch Hand

Elgin, AZ · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Ranch Hand/Cowboy Wanted Seeking experienced Ranch Hand/Cowboy with a diverse skillset for ... Strong background in cattle care and ranch maintenance required. Only candidates with proven ...

Cattle Pens

Arkansas City, KS · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

The Cattle Pens position will work directly with live beef by moving them around in the cattle pens areas and may cross-train in multiple positions throughout the area. It is paramount that this ...

Ranch Hand

Freer, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Must be knowledgeable in caring for cattle & deer and know how to drive a tractor. Valid driver ... Ranch Hand duties would include riding pastures to check for sick cattle, horses and other large ...

Ranch Hand

Freer, TX

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Must be knowledgeable in caring for cattle & deer and know how to drive a tractor. Valid driver ... Ranch Hand duties would include riding pastures to check for sick cattle, horses and other large ...

Ranch Hand

Freer, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Must be knowledgeable in caring for cattle & deer and know how to drive a tractor. Valid driver ... Ranch Hand duties would include riding pastures to check for sick cattle, horses and other large ...

The Ranch Hand is responsible for completing daily operations at Agri Beef's ranch in Loomis, WA ... Move cattle on horseback, roping and doctoring cattle as necessary * Construct and maintain fence

The Ranch Hand is responsible for completing daily operations at Agri Beef's ranch in Loomis, WA ... Move cattle on horseback, roping and doctoring cattle as necessary * Construct and maintain fence

Cattle Health Tech

American Falls, ID · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Move cattle for shipment or treatment * Gather and move strays back to appropriate pens * Diagnose, treat, and record cattle health instances according to established protocols from consulting ...

Ranch Hand

Olsburg, KS · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Our cattle are raised on the rolling tallgrass prairie north of Manhattan, Kansas at Booth Creek ... The Ranch Hand is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of Booth Creek Wagyu Ranch.

Ranch Hand

Loomis, WA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

The Ranch Hand is responsible for completing daily operations at Agri Beef's ranch in Loomis, WA ... Move cattle on horseback, roping and doctoring cattle as necessary * Construct and maintain fence

Ranch Hand

Olsburg, KS

$45K - $55K/yr

Our cattle are raised on the rolling tallgrass prairie north of Manhattan, Kansas at Booth Creek ... The Ranch Hand is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of Booth Creek Wagyu Ranch.

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Cattle Hand information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do cattle hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle hand in the United States is $17.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cattle Hand, you need practical experience with livestock handling, basic animal husbandry knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment like cattle prods, tractors, and livestock management software is beneficial, and some roles may require certifications in animal welfare or first aid. Strong observation, communication, and physical stamina are important soft skills to excel in this position. These skills ensure the safety, health, and productivity of the livestock while supporting efficient ranch or farm operations.

What is the difference between Cattle Hand vs Livestock Worker?

AspectCattle HandLivestock Worker
CredentialsNone required, some experience preferredNone required, some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentRanches, farms, outdoor settingsFarms, ranches, outdoor settings
Industry UsageCommonly used in cattle farmingUsed across various livestock sectors including cattle, sheep, goats
Job TasksFeeding, herding, caring for cattleFeeding, caring for various livestock, maintaining facilities

Both Cattle Hands and Livestock Workers perform outdoor farm tasks, but Cattle Hands specialize in cattle care, while Livestock Workers may handle multiple animal types. The roles often overlap in work environment and basic duties, but the focus differs based on the specific livestock managed.

What are cattle hands?

Cattle hands, also known as stockmen or ranch hands, are workers who care for and manage cattle on farms, ranches, or stations. Their main duties include feeding, watering, herding, monitoring animal health, maintaining fences, and assisting with birthing and medical treatment. Cattle hands often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may operate machinery or vehicles as part of their job. The role requires physical fitness, knowledge of livestock behavior, and basic veterinary skills.

What are some common challenges a Cattle Hand may face during seasonal changes, and how can they prepare for them?

Cattle Hands often encounter unique challenges during seasonal transitions, such as managing livestock health in extreme weather, adjusting feeding routines, and ensuring adequate shelter and water supply. In winter, they need to prevent frostbite and provide extra nutrition, while in summer, heat stress and dehydration become key concerns. Preparation includes monitoring weather forecasts, maintaining infrastructure, and collaborating closely with veterinarians and other ranch staff to ensure cattle welfare. Being proactive and adaptable helps Cattle Hands effectively handle these seasonal demands.
What cities are hiring for Cattle Hand jobs? Cities with the most Cattle Hand job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cattle Hand jobs? The most popular types of Cattle Hand jobs are:
What states have the most Cattle Hand jobs? States with the most job openings for Cattle Hand jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cattle Hand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,173 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Veterinary Technician - Cattle Hand

Veterinary Technician - Cattle Hand

Elgin Veterinary Hospital

Medford, MA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Cattle Hand (Veterinary Technician)

Elgin Veterinary Hospital

Elgin, TX

Full-time: Monday-Friday, rotating weekends, and on-call required

 

About You

You are dependable, detail-oriented, and enjoy hands-on work in a fast-paced environment. You’re comfortable working around large animals and take pride in supporting a team that delivers high-quality care to cattle, goats, and sheep. You’re organized, proactive, and willing to jump in wherever needed—from lab work and surgery prep to maintaining a clean and safe facility. You have experience with bovine and small ruminants and are confident assisting with animal handling and restraint.

Your Experience & Skills

What You’ll Do

  • Assist veterinarians and the clinical team during appointments, exams, and patient care for cattle and small ruminants
  • Perform and process laboratory work accurately, following established protocols and safety standards
  • Administer treatments as directed, including oral, IV, IM, and ophthalmic medications
  • Prepare medications, supplies, and treatment areas to support efficient patient care
  • Set up for procedures and assist with surgical, diagnostic, and treatment needs as appropriate
  • Monitor and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and respiration
  • Participate in the on-call rotation once trained to help support urgent patient care needs

Required Qualifications

  • Experience working with livestock or large animals (bovine/cattle and small ruminants preferred)
  • Large animal veterinary experience is preferred
  • Ability to safely assist with animal restraint in a clinical or farm setting
  • Comfortable performing physical tasks in indoor and outdoor environments
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to follow protocols for sterilization, lab procedures, and biosecurity
  • Reliable, team-oriented, and willing to learn
  • Basic computer skills for inventory or record tracking

Physical and Schedule Requirements:

  • Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and safely assist in the movement, positioning, and restraint of bovine patients (typically 1,000+ lbs) using proper equipment, team support, and established safety protocols, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to stoop, bend, and stand for extended periods of time as required by the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Work Environment: Ability to perform essential job functions outdoors in varying weather conditions (including heat, cold, rain, and icy conditions), with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Schedule Requirements: Hours will vary between 7am-6pm, Monday-Friday. Rotating weekends and some on-call shifts are required.

You’ll Grow with Us

Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:

  • Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
  • Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills 
  • A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital

And, with so many locations nationwide, you can find and move into any specialty, hospital type, or environment. Join us and provide your best care at a clinic that is deeply rooted within its community and bolstered by the resources of Thrive Pet Healthcare.

Benefits – our care in action

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
  • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
  • Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan support tools and assistance

*Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

About The Hospital

Elgin Veterinary Hospital is a Bovine and Equine emergency referral and primary care facility that offers the best medical and surgical treatments. 

About Thrive

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. Thrive invests in its people—through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiatives—so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, digital booking, Thrive PlusTM membership, HereFurYou Helpline, an online pharmacy and flexible financial options* make accessing quality care simpler— giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.