In the United States, work as a livestock handler usually pay between $28,000 and $35,000 a year, and the starting pay is between $12 and $16 an hour. Most of these jobs require working outdoors on farms, ranches, or poultry sites. However, some of them may be seasonal or part-time.
Applicants generally need to have some experience with animals and be physically strong. For people who love animals and farming, this is a fulfilling job.
Details of Livestock Handler Job in USA:
- Title: Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
- Salary: $28,000 – $35,000/year
- Country: USA
- Type: Full-time / Part-time / Seasonal
- Experience: Basic farm or livestock handling
- Eligibility: 18+ with work permit or visa sponsorship
Job Responsibilities:
- Feeding, watering, and keeping an eye on the health of animals.
- Keeping sheds, pens, and enclosures clean.
- Helping to breed, give birth, or clean animals.
- Moving, herding, and moving animals without hurting them.
- Reporting sickness or strange behaviors in animals.
Job Requirements:
- Being able to work outside and being physically fit.
- Basic understanding of how to care for and handle animals.
- Being able to do things by hand and lift big things.
- Most of the time, you need a high school education or the equivalent.
- Being ready to work in country and farm areas.
Benefits of Job:
- Stable Job Opportunities in Agriculture: Livestock handler jobs are always in demand on farms and ranches in the U.S., so people who are ready to take on this physically demanding role can be sure they will have a job.
- Pay that is competitive and based on the seasons: Handlers make between $28,000 and $35,000 a year, and their pay goes up during busy times like birthing, shearing, and harvesting. This makes it a financially safe job.
- Sponsorship of Visas for International Applicants: Many farms and other agricultural companies in the US will sponsor visas for foreign workers. This lets them gain valuable international experience while legally building a stable career in animal care.
- Hands-On Experience with Animal Care: Employees learn real-life skills in managing livestock, such as feeding, gathering, and checking on their health. This job is perfect for people who love animals and like being active outside.
- Opportunities to Grow and Move Up: Starting out as a livestock handler can lead to supervisory roles, ranch management, or specialized animal care jobs, making it possible to build a long-term career in the agricultural business, which is growing.
Check Also: Latest Agriculture Jobs in UK – with Work Visa
Top Livestock Handler Job Roles (2025)
Cattle Handler:
National Average Salary: Around USD $30,000 – $40,000 per year.
Primary Duties:
- Daily, feed, water, and check on the health of the cow.
- Help with giving birth, breeding, and going to the vet.
- Control tools used to clean and move horses.
- Take care of the cow yards, fences, and feeding systems.
Experience & Education: Requires basic farm knowledge, livestock handling experience, and high physical fitness.
Sheep Handler:
National Average Salary: Around USD $28,000 – $38,000 annually.
Primary Duties:
- Feed, lead, and keep an eye on sheep in fields.
- Help with things like cutting, lambing, and medical care.
- Take care of the yards, fences, and grazing places.
- Keep track of stock changes and health checks.
Experience & Education: Practical sheep handling experience and knowledge of animal care are preferred.
Poultry Handler:
National Average Salary: Around USD $27,000 – $36,000 per year.
Primary Duties:
- Feed, water, and keep an eye on the health of the birds.
- Get eggs, sort them, and pack them up to be sent out.
- Keep chicken coops clean and follow hygiene rules.
- Help with managing the group and giving them shots.
Experience & Education: Requires basic farm work experience; training provided on the job.
Horse/Groom Handler:
National Average Salary: Around USD $29,000 – $39,000 annually.
Primary Duties:
- Every day, feed, clean, and walk the horses.
- Maintain tack and clean the barns and yards.
- Help train horses and get them ready for competitions.
- Keep an eye on the horse’s health and help with medical care.
Experience & Education: Requires horse handling experience; equine studies or stable work background is an advantage.
General Farm Hand:
National Average Salary: Around USD $28,000 – $37,000 per year.
Primary Duties:
- Help with feeding, caring for, and treating animals.
- Drive tractors, other farm gear, and other tools.
- Take care of water systems, fences, and sheds.
- Please help with seasonal chores like planting and harvesting.
Experience & Education: Requires general farm work experience and physical fitness; training often provided on-site.
Eligibility Criteria:
- At least 18 years old.
- It’s best if you have experience with animals or farm work.
- Legal right to work in the US (or support for a visa).
- Strong ability to talk to people and work with others.
Required Documents for Job Application:
- Updated CV or resume.
- For foreign applicants, a valid passport is required.
- Proof that you can work or papers for a visa.
- Educational certificates (if needed by employer).
- References from work you’ve done on farms or with animals before (recommended).
Important Skills:
- Take care of and watch over animals.
- Strength and endurance in the body.
- Managing your time and getting things done.
- Efficiency in herding, feeding, and cleaning.
- Being able to solve problems and act quickly in an emergency.
Application Process:
People who want to work on farms can apply through U.S. employer websites, agricultural job boards, or staffing companies. People from other countries should look for ads that say they can sponsor your visa.
Conclusion:
People who love animals and farming can find value in their work as livestock handlers in the United States. This field is good for both local and foreign workers because it pays well, has a variety of jobs, and can help people get visas. These jobs put you in touch with the heart of American agriculture, whether you work with cattle, chickens, or sheep.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is prior experience necessary for livestock handler jobs?
Prior experience is helpful but not always mandatory. Many U.S. employers provide training for new workers, making it possible for beginners with a passion for animals and hard work to succeed.
What are the main duties of livestock handlers?
Livestock handlers feed, water, clean, herd, and monitor animals. They assist with breeding, shearing, or birthing when needed. Daily work is hands-on, outdoors, and essential to maintaining healthy, productive livestock on farms.
Are there seasonal opportunities in livestock handling work?
Yes, many farms hire seasonal workers during peak times like lambing, calving, or harvest. Seasonal roles often offer higher pay and can provide international applicants valuable entry-level opportunities in the U.S. agriculture sector.
