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Cattle Ranch Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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

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

Grazing Unit Ranch Hand

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

The Grazing Unit Ranch Hand requires the ability to sort, load and process cattle in a quiet and calm manner using low-stress handling techniques, perform routine maintenance and repairs of fence ...

Grazing Unit Ranch Hand

Kamuela, HI

$16.25 - $22/hr

Description The Grazing Unit Ranch Hand requires the ability to sort, load and process cattle in a quiet and calm manner using low-stress handling techniques, perform routine maintenance and repairs ...

Ranch Hand

Springdale, AR · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

The Ranch Hand will assist in all aspects of work in the George's cattle operation. This role will primarily focus on tractor and skidsteer operation, fence building/repair and land and facility ...

Ranch Hand

Springdale, AR

$13.25 - $18/hr

The Ranch Hand will assist in all aspects of work in the George's cattle operation. This role will primarily focus on tractor and skidsteer operation, fence building/repair and land and facility ...

Preferred Qualifications • Basic knowledge of cattle and cattle ranch operations. • Comfortable working with livestock and handling animals safely. • Basic knowledge of farm equipment operation ...

Preferred Qualifications Basic knowledge of cattle and cattle ranch operations. Comfortable working with livestock and handling animals safely. Basic knowledge of farm equipment operation and ...

Ranch Hand

Fort Stockton, TX · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for an Ranch Hand in the Ranch Department. The right ... Gather a small herd of cattle when it is time to sell calves * Assistance is occasionally provided ...

Preferred Qualifications Basic knowledge of cattle and cattle ranch operations. Comfortable working with livestock and handling animals safely. Basic knowledge of farm equipment operation and ...

Ranch Hand

Brownwood, TX

$14.25 - $19/hr

The Ranch Hand is responsible for providing general building and grounds maintenance services ... Perform ranch duties which may include fence repair, clearing pastures and working cattle.

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Cattle Ranch Hand information

See salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do cattle ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle ranch 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 cattle ranch hands?

Cattle ranch hands are workers who assist with the daily operations of a cattle ranch. Their responsibilities typically include caring for livestock, feeding and watering cattle, repairing fences, maintaining equipment, and helping with tasks such as branding, herding, and sometimes assisting with calving. Ranch hands often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may also help with record-keeping or other general farm duties. The job requires physical stamina, practical skills, and a knowledge of animal husbandry.

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

To thrive as a Cattle Ranch Hand, you need hands-on experience with livestock handling, basic animal health care, and general ranch maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as tractors, fencing tools, and sometimes herd management software is typically required. Strong work ethic, physical stamina, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the health and safety of livestock, efficient ranch operations, and successful collaboration with ranch owners and coworkers.

What are some common challenges faced by cattle ranch hands, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cattle ranch hands often encounter challenges such as working long hours in varying weather conditions, handling unpredictable livestock, and performing physically demanding tasks like feeding, herding, and fencing. Effective time management, teamwork, and maintaining a strong awareness of safety protocols are essential for handling these challenges. Many ranches provide on-the-job training and emphasize communication among team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Cattle Ranch Hand vs Livestock Worker?

AspectCattle Ranch HandLivestock Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, some certifications optional
Work EnvironmentRanches, outdoor, physically demandingFarms, outdoor, similar physical demands
Industry UsagePrimarily cattle-focused ranchesVarious livestock farms including cattle, sheep, goats
Job TasksHerding, feeding, maintaining fencesFeeding, caring for livestock, cleaning pens

The main difference between a Cattle Ranch Hand and a Livestock Worker is the focus of their work. Cattle Ranch Hands typically work specifically with cattle on ranches, performing tasks like herding and fence maintenance. Livestock Workers may handle various types of farm animals across different farms. Both roles require outdoor work and physical effort, but the Cattle Ranch Hand role is more specialized in cattle management within the ranching industry.

More about Cattle Ranch Hand jobs
What cities are hiring for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs? Cities with the most Cattle Ranch Hand job openings:
What states have the most Cattle Ranch Hand jobs? States with the most job openings for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Ranch Hand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cattle Ranch Hand job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 36% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 59% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,173 per year, or $17.4 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, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)
Department
USMARC-0937
Requisition Number
S_260457
Posting Open Date
06/09/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
06/18/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) is a 34,000-acre facility located near Clay Center, NE. The work performed at USMARC supports research that is focused on solving high priority problems for the U.S. beef cattle, sheep, and swine industries.
As a Cattle Ranch Hand, you will:
  • Provide 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 and the collection of research data.

Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Travel between pastures and facilities required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a herdsman or cowboy.
Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.
About Us
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn't just a workplace; it's a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.
When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
  • Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
  • Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
  • Retirement plans with university match

Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma plus one year beef livestock production experience 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 UNL driver eligibility.

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