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Livestock Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Livestock Technician supports daily ranch operations by maintaining livestock and pasture infrastructure. This includes working cattle from horseback, ATV, or on foot, administering medical care ...

Livestock Farmhand

Lincoln, MA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Provide daily care of livestock including feeding and cleaning * Help maintain health of livestock including ordering feed, supporting veterinary care, assisting in birthing of livestock, maintaining ...

The starting wage for a Livestock Technician is $19.00+ per hour, depending on experience. Specific duties and responsibilities of a Livestock Technician include, but are not limited to, • Serve as ...

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$33K

$57.8K

$127K

How much do livestock jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for livestock in the United States is $57,811.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Livestock Jobs?

Livestock jobs are a vital part of the animal agriculture industry, and there are many varieties of positions for different skill sets. As a livestock worker, you may work with cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, or other animals on the facility. To work as a livestock farm worker, ranch laborer, or farm hand, you typically only need a high school diploma and no prior experience. However, you need training and practical experience to become a livestock appraiser or rancher.

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

To thrive as a Livestock Farmer, you need expertise in animal husbandry, nutrition, breeding, and general farm management, often supported by agricultural education or relevant experience. Familiarity with farm machinery, livestock management software, and certifications such as animal welfare or biosecurity training is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure healthy livestock, efficient operations, and compliance with industry standards for successful farm management.

What are some common challenges faced by livestock managers and how can they be addressed?

Livestock managers often encounter challenges such as disease prevention, fluctuating market prices, and managing feed and nutrition. To address these, it's important to stay updated on animal health best practices, establish strong relationships with veterinarians, and monitor market trends to make informed decisions. Additionally, effective record-keeping and adopting new technologies can help streamline operations and improve animal welfare, ensuring long-term success in the role.

What are livestock?

Livestock are domesticated animals that are raised on farms or ranches primarily for commodities such as meat, milk, wool, leather, and labor. Common examples include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and horses. These animals play a crucial role in agriculture by providing food, raw materials, and sometimes even assisting with farm work. Managing livestock involves ensuring their health, proper nutrition, and suitable living conditions. Livestock farming practices can vary widely depending on the animal species and geographical location.

What is the difference between Livestock vs Farm Worker?

AspectLivestockFarm Worker
CertificationsNone typically required, but animal handling experience helpsNone typically required, may need basic farm operation knowledge
Work EnvironmentOn farms caring for animals like cattle, sheep, pigsVarious farm tasks including planting, harvesting, animal care
Industry UsageSpecific to animal husbandry and livestock managementBroader agricultural work including crop and animal tasks

Livestock roles focus specifically on caring for and managing farm animals, while farm workers perform a wider range of agricultural tasks, including crop work and general farm maintenance. Both roles are essential in farming operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Livestock jobs? Cities with the most Livestock job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Livestock jobs? The most popular types of Livestock jobs are:
What states have the most Livestock jobs? States with the most job openings for Livestock jobs include:
Infographic showing various Livestock job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,811 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Livestock Coordinator

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
As a Livestock Coordinator at Smithfield Foods, you'll be an essential part of the livestock operations team, ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of animals from the receiving area to holding pens. This hands-on role plays a key part in maintaining animal welfare standards, supporting plant operations, and helping Smithfield deliver on its commitment to quality and care.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Livestock Receiving and Handling: Receives, unloads, and sorts hogs based on quality and weight. Moves hogs from trucks to holding pens in a safe and efficient manner. Identifies (tattoos), scales, and accurately counts livestock, including tracking any dead or non-ambulatory animals. Processes outgoing livestock as needed.
  • Animal Welfare and Compliance: Monitors yard and truck conditions to ensure proper handling, following all corporate and governmental standards. Performs livestock handling and animal welfare audits to ensure ethical treatment and compliance. Completes PQA, TQA, and other required animal handling and safety training.
  • Team Leadership and Operational Support: Supports the Hog Barn Supervisor and takes a leadership role with the Hog Receiver team. Delegates work tasks and assists with conflict resolution as directed by the Supervisor or Manager. Establishes and documents kill/harvest schedules to meet both operational needs and animal handling requirements.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 2+ years verifiable livestock handling experience, required.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree considered in lieu of experience.
  • Producer Quality Assurance and Truckers Quality Assurance, preferred.
  • USDA Bonded, preferred.
  • Bobcat Safety Training Certificate, preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Captive bolt trained to euthanize downed pigs.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • Strong math skills and knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to make independent decisions.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize daily work assignments and manage time wisely.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment can be loud when in the production area.
  • Frequently required to move and/or lift 100 pounds and occasionally required to move and/or lift more than 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Relocation Package AvailableNo
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.