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Horse Racing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Canterbury Park

Seasonal Assistant Starter

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$26 - $35.10/hr

Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center. Canterbury ...

Canterbury Park

Seasonal Paramedic

Shakopee, MN · On-site

Description Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center.

Canterbury Park

Seasonal Paramedic

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$32 - $43.20/hr

Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center. Canterbury ...

Canterbury Park

Seasonal Dishwasher - Overnight

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Description Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center.

Canterbury Park

Seasonal Dishwasher

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center. Canterbury ...

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Horse Racing information

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$7

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$22

How much do horse racing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse racing in Minnesota is $15.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How Can I Get a Horse Racing Job?

The qualifications for each position in the horse racing industry vary greatly. You should have prior experience for the job for which you are applying. Racetrack security personnel, for instance, should have previous security positions on their resume. Administrative positions often require a bachelor’s degree in business, while veterinarians need their doctorate and any necessary licenses or certifications. Trainers work as assistants before taking on this role and pursuing their professional licensure. Jockeys must meet strict weight and height requirements, display racing skills, and possess a jockey’s license. Look at online job board listings to gain a better understanding of what your desired position requires.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Horse Racing Jockey, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horse Racing Jockey, you need expert riding ability, a deep understanding of horse behavior, and often completion of apprentice programs or licensing requirements. Familiarity with racing equipment, weight management practices, and race-day protocols is essential. Strong soft skills like quick decision-making, resilience, and excellent communication with trainers and owners set top jockeys apart. These skills are critical for ensuring safety, achieving peak performance, and building successful partnerships in a competitive racing environment.

What are horse racing jobs?

Horse racing jobs encompass a variety of roles involved in the breeding, training, care, and racing of horses. Common positions include jockeys, trainers, grooms, exercise riders, stewards, and racecourse staff. These professionals work together to ensure horses are healthy, well-prepared, and able to compete safely and successfully. Horse racing jobs can be physically demanding and often require early mornings and weekend work. Many roles require specialized knowledge of horses and a passion for the sport.

What is the most paid equine job?

The most highly paid equine job is typically that of a top-level racehorse trainer or a successful thoroughbred trainer, especially those who own or manage prestigious stables. These professionals can earn significant income through training fees, race winnings, and ownership stakes, with top trainers earning millions annually. Experience, reputation, and success in major races influence earning potential in this field.

How much does a horse racer get paid?

Horse racers, also known as jockeys, typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of race winnings, with top jockeys earning hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Many earn around $50,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience, success, and the number of races they participate in. Additional income may come from endorsements and sponsorships, but earnings vary widely based on skill and reputation.

What is the difference between Horse Racing vs Jockey?

AspectHorse RacingJockey
Required CredentialsNone mandatory, but racing licenses may be neededRacing license, riding certifications
Work EnvironmentRacecourses, stables, outdoor tracksRacecourses, training facilities, outdoor tracks
Employer & Industry UsageRacing organizations, tracks, stablesRacing teams, trainers, stables
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding racing activities, eventsRiding skills, race participation

Horse Racing involves organizing and managing racing events, while a Jockey is a professional rider who participates in races. Horse Racing covers the broader industry, including event management and track operations, whereas Jockeys focus on riding and competing in races. Both roles are integral to the racing industry but differ in responsibilities and credentials.

What are the different types of horse racing jobs?

Horse racing jobs include roles such as jockeys, trainers, grooms, stable hands, track officials, and race organizers. These positions require specific skills, knowledge of racing rules, and often physical fitness or certifications. Each role contributes to the operation and success of horse racing events.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in the horse racing industry?

Professionals in the horse racing industry often face challenges such as early morning hours, physically demanding work, and the need to quickly respond to the unpredictable nature of working with horses. The fast-paced environment requires strong teamwork between trainers, jockeys, grooms, and veterinarians to ensure horse welfare and race readiness. Additionally, maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards is crucial, and adapting to frequent schedule changes is a common part of the job.

What are careers that work with horses?

Careers that work with horses include roles such as equine veterinarian, horse trainer, riding instructor, stable manager, farrier, and groom. These jobs often require knowledge of horse care, riding skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses, depending on the specific role and responsibilities.
More about Horse Racing jobs
What are popular job titles related to Horse Racing jobs in Minnesota? For Horse Racing jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Racing jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Racing jobs in Minnesota are:
Horse Racing jobs near you

Seasonal Assistant Starter

Canterbury Park Entertainment LLC

Shakopee, MN

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Experience the fun of working in the entertainment industry at Canterbury Park - home to live horse racing every summer and year round action in our Card Casino, Racebook and Expo Center.

Canterbury Park offers competitive pay and benefits for FT & PT employees; including PT PTO and holiday premium pay. Employees also receive free live racing admission, perks of special events and a variety of local & Canterbury Park discounts.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Starters’ services will be used in order to provide a fair and equal start of all horses in a race, as well as supervise and assist horses schooling in proper starting gate procedure. Responsible for supporting the Company’s mission, vision, and values by providing an unparalleled experience of fun and entertainment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead by example.
  • Responsible for maintaining a high degree of hospitality, as well as a positive and professional demeanor at all times.
  • Creates high levels of morale, fosters teamwork, inspires collaboration, and provides suggestions for growth to management.
  • Assist horses in the starting gate for each race and during morning schooling
  • Ensure a fair start through proper starting gate procedures

Required Qualifications:

  • Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in an often challenging environment where multiple tasks and events may occur simultaneously.
  • The highest of moral integrity and a strong work ethic.
  • Must be able to pass Canterbury Park’s pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, drug screening, and Canterbury Park’s Safe Driving Policy.
  • Must be able to attain a Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) license.
  • Must be registered with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) as a Covered Person.
  • As a requirement of HISA, must complete, on an annual basis, at least 2 hours of safety training either a) provided by Canterbury Park prior to the beginning of the current meet or b) through ROAP certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least One (1) year of experience as an Assistant Starter

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Maintain a flexible working schedule, which may include early mornings, late nights and weekends during the live race season May – September.
  • While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit throughout the assigned shift.
  • Required to be in proper uniform at all times during the hours live racing is being conducted.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
  • Requires frequent wrist and hand use.