Livestock Ranch Hand Career

*A job as a Livestock Ranch Hand falls under the broader career category of Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category but may not specifically apply to this career title.

Job Description for Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals : Attend to live farm, ranch, open range or aquacultural animals that may include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses and other equines, poultry, rabbits, finfish, shellfish, and bees. Attend to animals produced for animal products, such as meat, fur, skins, feathers, eggs, milk, and honey. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, grazing, milking, castrating, branding, de-beaking, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. Includes workers who shear wool from sheep and collect eggs in hatcheries.


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Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animal Career

Salary Info

Median Annual Wage

$26,840

Median Hourly Wage

$12.90*

Total Employed Nationally

35,670


Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2016 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2016-2026). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.