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Cowboy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Pen Rider (24928)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Cowboy Assistant Supervisor and Cowboy Supervisor. Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for observing strays, poor doers, downer animals, or other animals not destined for processing. * Gather ...

HARRIS FEEDING CO

Pen Rider (24928)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Cowboy Assistant Supervisor and Cowboy Supervisor. Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for observing strays, poor doers, downer animals, or other animals not destined for processing. * Gather ...

Cowboy Space

Principal Power Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$155 - $245/hr

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities--from ...

Aetherflux

Export Control Director

San Carlos, CA · On-site

About Cowboy Space Corporation Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a ...

Aetherflux

Senior Technical Recruiter

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Technical Recruiter / Senior Technical Recruiter About Cowboy Space Corporation Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in ...

Aetherflux

Mission Manager

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$165K - $225K/yr

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from ...

Aetherflux

Supply Chain Technician

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$30 - $37/hr

Supply Chain Technician About Cowboy Space Corp: Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect ...

Aetherflux

GNC Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

GNC Engineer Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of ...

Aetherflux

Avionics Technician

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$27.50 - $35/hr

Avionics Technician About Cowboy Space Corp. Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight ...

Aetherflux

Firmware Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$130K - $185K/yr

Firmware Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp. Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and ...

Aetherflux

Head of Facilities

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

Head of Facilities About Cowboy Space Corp. Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight ...

Aetherflux

Sr. Avionics Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Senior Avionics Engineer (San Carlos, CA) Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and ...

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Cowboy information

See California salary details

$14

$20

$28

How much do cowboy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cowboy in California is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of jobs do cowboys do?

Cowboys work primarily in ranching and livestock management, performing tasks such as herding cattle, branding, roping, and maintaining fences. They often operate horseback and use tools like lariats and cattle prods, working outdoors in rural environments often requiring physical stamina and riding skills.

What does a cowboy do?

A typical day for a Cowboy often begins early and involves a variety of physically demanding tasks such as herding cattle, repairing fences, checking water supplies, and maintaining equipment. Depending on the season, you might participate in branding, sorting, or transporting livestock, as well as monitoring animal health and wellbeing. Much of the work is outdoors in all weather conditions, and collaboration with other ranch hands is common when managing large herds or tackling major projects. While days can be long, the role offers a direct connection to the land and animals, and opportunities for advancement into ranch management for those with strong leadership abilities.

Can you still get a job as a cowboy?

Yes, there are still employment opportunities for cowboys, especially in ranching, cattle herding, and rodeo industries. These jobs often require skills in animal handling, horseback riding, and knowledge of livestock management, with some positions requiring certifications or experience. Opportunities may vary based on location and industry demand.

What skills and qualifications does a cowboy need?

To thrive as a Cowboy, you need proficiency in horsemanship, cattle handling, roping, and basic animal husbandry, often gained through hands-on ranch experience or vocational training. Familiarity with ranch equipment such as saddles, branding tools, and sometimes ATVs or GPS for managing large herds is typical, while formal certifications may be required for aspects like livestock transport or safety. Strong work ethic, resilience, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with ranch staff and adapting to changing conditions. These abilities ensure that livestock operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently in a demanding work environment.

What jobs did cowboys have?

Cowboys primarily worked as cattle herders, responsible for driving and managing cattle across long distances. Their duties included roping, branding, and caring for livestock, often requiring skills in riding, horsemanship, and the use of tools like lassos and branding irons. They typically worked outdoors in rural environments and followed a seasonal schedule based on cattle drives and ranch operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cowboy jobs in California? The most popular types of Cowboy jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cowboy jobs in California? For Cowboy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cowboy jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cowboy jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cowboy jobs? Cities in California with the most Cowboy job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cowboy jobs in CA? For Cowboy jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cowboy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cowboy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,860 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Pen Rider (24928)

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Coalinga, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
The Pen Rider will move, sort, and pull cattle that require treatment throughout the feedlot on horseback.
Reports to:
Cowboy Assistant Supervisor and Cowboy Supervisor.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for observing strays, poor doers, downer animals, or other animals not destined for processing.
  • Gather, sort, count, and load cattle for harvest.
  • Ride pens per daily schedule identifying sickness and injuries.
  • Accurately record pulled cattle removed from pens.
  • Receive, ship, unload and move cattle as needed.
  • Safely Move cattle from pens as directed.
  • Maintain cleanliness of horse facilities and tack.
  • Act in accordance with all applicable safety animal welfare regulations and company policies.

Harris 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.
Harris Feeding Company participates in E-Verify during the hire process for all new Team Members.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Must recognize sick or injured cattle, skillfully pull them out of the pen, and move them to the hospital.
  • Must have good horsemanship skills.
  • Essential to have full knowledge of livestock handling skills.
  • Must be able to count cattle accurately.
  • Excellent verbal communication.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Must work well in a team-oriented environment.
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions

  • Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds at a time.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions.

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.
Harris 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.
Harris Feeding Company participates in E-Verify during the hire process for all new Team Members.

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