12 of the Highest Paying Rancher Jobs in 2026
The best Rancher jobs can pay up to $105,000 per year.
There are a few types of Rancher jobs on ZipRecruiter in the Agriculture industry, and within the Livestock category. Some top paying Rancher roles include Livestock Nutritionist, Herdsman, and Breeding Manager. You can find Rancher positions on ZipRecruiter matching a range of qualifications and experience levels. Most of the 12 Rancher jobs on this page pay at least $29,000 a year, with five having upper quadrant annual salaries over $59,041. If these highest paying Rancher careers are not the right fit for you, explore more Rancher jobs.
High Paying Rancher Jobs
Livestock Nutritionist
Salary range: $95,000 - $105,000
The responsibilities of a livestock nutritionist revolve around formulating an ideal diet for specific farm animals. Your exact duties in this career depend on the industry in which you work. You may consult with farmers to help them find the best food for livestock, you may work for a large agriculture company, or you may perform research and development for a feed producer. You use your skills as a livestock nutritionist to advise clients or employers about the correct diet that livestock needs to produce quality meat, milk, or other agriculture products.
Herdsman
Salary range: $38,500 - $94,000
The majority of Herdsman salaries across the United States currently range between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $94,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Herdsman job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.
Breeding Manager
Salary range: $55,500 - $93,500
A breeding manager handles all of the responsibilities that are part of mating and birthing animals. As a breeding manager, you specialize in a particular species of animal, such as horses, swine, cattle, or dogs. In the swine industry, your job title is farrowing manager. Your job duties are mostly consistent regardless of the species with which you work. You’re responsible for the animals’ welfare, including monitoring their health care and reproductive cycles. You schedule feeding, oversee the insemination, pregnancies, and births, check the health of the baby animals, and monitor the weaning of the young from their mothers.
Ranch Manager
Salary range: $40,000 - $67,000
A ranch manager is a farm professional who is responsible for the daily operations on a ranch. Ranch managers raise, care for, and in some cases, oversee the slaughter of livestock. They may also maintain machinery and structures that house animals, as well as purchase feed, equipment, and supplies. Ranch managers must also ensure that all animals are being raised to meet market standards and applicable regulations.
Feed Mill Manager
Salary range: $40,000 - $60,000
A feed mill manager oversees a mill that produces feed for animals, including the facility’s production, safety, quality, and budget. As a feed mill manager, your responsibilities include reviewing production records, scheduling production, and maintaining equipment. You also keep an inventory of all necessary ingredients, test grain quality, set quality standards, and ensure operations remain as efficient as possible while implementing new technologies. Other duties include resolving customer questions and issues, supervising and training employees on the mill production process, and conducting regular meetings regarding workplace safety.
Meat and Poultry Inspector
Salary range: $42,500 - $51,000
The majority of Meat and Poultry Inspector salaries across the United States currently range between $42,500 (25th percentile) and $51,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Meat and Poultry Inspector job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Feed Mill Operator
Salary range: $36,000 - $46,500
The majority of Feed Mill Operator salaries across the United States currently range between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $46,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Feed Mill Operator job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.
Cowboy
Salary range: $36,000 - $42,000
The majority of Cowboy salaries across the United States currently range between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Cowboy job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.
Ranch Hand
Salary range: $30,000 - $40,500
A Ranch Hand, also known as a cowpoke or barn help, is a hired hand who performs a variety of jobs on a ranch. As a Ranch Hand, your responsibilities and duties will vary day to day. They may include animal husbandry, agricultural duties, and maintenance and repair work around the ranch. Ranch Hands must have experience in all aspects of running and maintaining a large ranch. Daily work of a Ranch Hand may also include herding cattle and other livestock to pasture, delivering a calf, riding a horse, building a fence, and fertilizing crops. There is always another task to do on a ranch.
Breeding Technician
Salary range: $37,500 - $38,000
The majority of Breeding Technician salaries across the United States currently range between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $38,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Breeding Technician job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.
Meat Packer
Salary range: $32,000 - $36,000
A meat packer prepares animal products for wholesalers and retailers. As a meat packer, your job duties include inspecting meat and meat products; washing, shaving, and grinding meat; operating equipment to process meat; and placing meat products in special packaging materials. You need few qualifications for a career as a meat packer. Most companies require a high school diploma or GED, and provide on-the-job training of the meat packing processes and safety regulations. You need good teamwork skills. Previous experience in manufacturing or other industrial settings is beneficial.
Jockey Valet
Salary range: $29,000 - $35,000
The majority of Jockey Valet salaries across the United States currently range between $29,000 (25th percentile) and $35,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Jockey Valet job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.