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Cattle Ranch Hand Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Cattle Ranch Hand information

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$9

$17

$23

How much do cattle ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle ranch hand in California is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in California? For Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs? Cities in California with the most Cattle Ranch Hand job openings:
Cattle Ranch Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cattle Ranch Hand job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,700 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Truck Driver - Cattle (24743)

Truck Driver - Cattle (24743)

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Coalinga, CA • On-site

$21 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
We are seeking a dependable and efficient Class "A" driver who possesses a great deal of physical and mental stamina and is customer focused. Must be organized, detailed oriented and comfortable working independently. A clean driving record and commercial driving experience is required for this role as general job duties include driving tractor-trailers over pre-determined routes. Drivers deliver, load/unload from trailers utilizing a pre-set material handling equipment process to load/unload.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Fully understand how to operate and safely drive a commercial vehicle.
  • Utilize material handling equipment as needed to make deliveries.
  • Pick-up and safely transport goods, livestock, etc. to the intended destination.
  • Ensure contents are properly secured in a truck, to prevent damage/injury.
  • Obtain signatures to confirm and complete deliveries.
  • Stay on a predetermined route and ensure timely transport and delivery.
  • Communicate with dispatch as needed.
  • Confirm that the contents of each shipment load matches the manifest document.
  • Perform inspections of your vehicle prior to and following each trip.
  • Moving and stacking of cargo in trailer and from trailer to ground level as needed.
  • Notify managers of any major maintenance or delivery issues encountered.
  • Follow delivery schedule and rest at appropriate times.
  • Utilize electronic logging device for recording hours of service (HOS).
  • Adhere to company rules and regulations.

Requirements:
  • Comply with DOT regulations.
  • Make safety a priority at all times.
  • Class "A" Driver Requirements and Qualifications.
  • Valid commercial driver's license (CDL) required.
  • 2+ years of proven experience in commercial truck driving.
  • Clean driving record with no moving violations.
  • Obey all applicable traffic laws and drive in according to the weather/road conditions.
  • Skilled at driving and parking large, heavy vehicles.
  • Must pass a background check and drug test.
  • Alert, focused, and detail-oriented.
  • Able to operate hand trucks, pallet jacks, etc.
  • Proficient using GPS and other routing systems.
  • Map reading and route planning experience.
  • An innate sense of direction.
  • Self-starter who works well independently.
  • Disciplined, dependable, and resourceful.
  • High level of composure and good stress management.
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
Physical Requirements:
  • Valid, Current CDL with Valid DOT Physical
  • Physically and mentally fit.
  • Ability to lift up to 50-60 lbs. at a time.
  • Possess great physical stamina and focus during long driving shifts.

Harris Ranch Feeding Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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