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Milking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dairy Worker 1

Wooster, OH ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Perform milking duties following established procedures. * Maintain bedding and feeding of dairy cattle. * Clean and sanitize dairy barn and surrounding work areas. * Instruct residents and/or ...

Farm Assistant

Hardwick, VT ยท On-site

$20/hr

Milking dairy cows * Maintaining cleanliness of the barns and other farm buildings * Assisting with other farm based projects * Other duties as needed Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Creative ...

GNS Operator

Elma, NY

$23.10 - $24.10/hr

Set-up GNS milking skid equipment to all required configurations * Perform a CIP on all GNS milking skid equipment * Completes all the required documentation (legibly and accurately) * Understands ...

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Milking information

See salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do milking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for milking in the United States is $18.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are milking jobs?

Milking jobs involve the process of extracting milk from dairy animals, such as cows or goats, typically on a farm or in a dairy facility. Workers in these roles operate milking machines, ensure animals are prepared and comfortable, and maintain cleanliness and hygiene to ensure milk quality. They may also monitor animal health and report any issues to farm managers. These jobs can require early hours and physical work, but they are essential to the dairy industry.

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

To excel as a Dairy Milker, you typically need basic knowledge of animal husbandry, attention to hygiene, and experience working with livestock, though formal education is not always required. Familiarity with milking machinery, cleaning equipment, and sometimes automated milking systems is important. Strong observation skills, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently within a team are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure milk quality, animal welfare, and smooth dairy operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by professional milkers and how can they be addressed?

Professional milkers often encounter challenges such as maintaining animal comfort, ensuring equipment cleanliness, and adhering to strict milking schedules. Working in shifts and managing repetitive tasks can also be physically demanding. To address these challenges, milkers are trained to spot early signs of animal health issues, follow rigorous hygiene protocols, and use ergonomic techniques to reduce fatigue. Effective communication with farm managers and veterinarians is also crucial for addressing issues promptly and maintaining productivity.

What is the difference between Milking vs Dairy Farming?

AspectMilkingDairy Farming
Primary TaskExtracting milk from dairy animalsManaging the entire dairy operation, including animal care, feeding, and milk production
Work EnvironmentMilking parlors, barnsFarm fields, barns, processing areas
CredentialsBasic animal handling, hygiene trainingAnimal husbandry, farm management skills
Industry UsagePart of dairy farm operationsOversees entire dairy farm

Milking focuses specifically on extracting milk from dairy animals, often as part of a larger dairy farm operation. Dairy farming encompasses the broader management of the farm, including animal care, feeding, and milk production. While milking is a crucial daily task, dairy farming involves overseeing the entire process to ensure healthy animals and quality milk production.

More about Milking jobs
Infographic showing various Milking job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,795 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Night Shift- Agricultural Assistant at Dairy

University of Idaho Job

Moscow, ID โ€ข On-site

$20.79/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 hours ago


Job description

Classification Information
Posting Number STH002194P Employee Category Student/Temporary
Position Information
Position Title Night Shift- Agricultural Assistant at Dairy Location Moscow Division/College College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Department Palouse Research Center FLSA Status Non-Exempt Pay Range $20.79/hr Full Time/Part Time Full Time Work Schedule Summary
This is a night shift position but may alternate shifts every 3 months. The night shift works from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am, while the day shift works 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
There is currently not expected end date for this position
Position Responsibilities
Position Summary
This position is responsible for milking approximately 120 Holstein cows in a double 6 herringbone parlor once per day, along with performing general maintenance and upkeep for the dairy.
The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
  • Performing daily, weekly, and monthly periodic maintenance
  • Cleaning and repair of milking and milk storage equipment
  • Daily cleaning of parlor, holding pen, maternity and hospital areas
  • Organizing and maintaining inventory of parts and materials related to the milking process
  • Training and directing students in the proper operation of the milking facility and animal handling in the parlor
  • Identifying and treating udder health problems
  • Assisting cows in parturition
  • Working with researchers in the gathering of milk samples and experimental data; and other duties as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned
Responsibilities
Job Duty Function Milking: Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Assisting cows in milking within parameters
  • Setting up pipeline system to transfer milk to bulk tank storage
  • Engaging refrigeration unit for product transfer
  • Monitoring and execute critical product temperature benchmarks
  • Identifying and isolate clinical mastitis and other health conditions of infected cows and treat according to protocol
  • Working with researchers in the gathering of milk samples and experimental data
  • Coordinating animal movement of approximately 120 individual cows
  • Engaging milking claws, pulsators, and hosing system within a double 6 herringbone parlor

Percentage Of Time 50% Essential/Marginal Essential Job Duty Function Equipment Maintenance: Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Performing routine maintenance and repair of technologically advanced computer interfaced milking system
  • Identifying and troubleshoot failing pulsators, claws, hosing, pipeline, and bulk tank equipment items
  • Monitoring and execute system function
  • Organizing and maintain inventory of parts and materials related to the milking process
Percentage Of Time 30% Essential/Marginal Essential Job Duty Function Sanitation: Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Executing daily sanitation per protocol of parlor, general milk house facilities, holding pens, milking systems, and milk storage tanks

Percentage Of Time 10% Essential/Marginal Essential Job Duty Function Training and Research: Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Training and directing student help in routine milking assisted duties
  • Cooperating with researchers in executing and gathering experimental data
  • Interacting with students in class instruction laboratory setting
Percentage Of Time 5% Essential/Marginal Marginal Job Duty Function Other Duties: Job Duties/Responsibilities
  • Performing other duties as required

Percentage Of Time 5% Essential/Marginal Marginal
Position Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Animal husbandry experience to include working with cattle
  • Creating and maintaining records
  • Must be able to work non-standard hours including weekends
  • Possess a valid driver's license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in Dairy, and willingness to participate in team environment
  • Experience with operating procedures at the University of Idaho Dairy Center
  • Experience with Animal science research and education
  • Experience with good laboratory practice standards and their application
  • Experience with milking
  • Experience following specific instructions, directions, and working independently
  • Experience with Dairy equipment operation (milking machines, computers and milking parlor equipment)
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Must be able to:
  • Bend and stoop
  • Lift, carry or otherwise move items weighing up to 80 pounds
  • Stand and walk continuously throughout the workday
  • Work in inclement weather conditions
Posting Information
Posting Date 05/11/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your "Letter of Qualification" must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Quicklink for Posting https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/51484