Also called: Cowboy, Cowhand, Farmworker (Livestock)
Does the daily work of caring for cattle and other livestock on a ranch or farm.
Saddles a horse at dawn to check cattle, fixes fence, feeds hay in winter, helps at branding, and tags newborn calves. Often comes with housing on the ranch.
BLS May 2024 (farmworkers, farm and ranch animals).
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No formal education; learned on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Shrinking (about -1% over 10 years). Slight decline expected.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. GPS collars, drones and virtual fencing reduce some riding and checking; feeding, doctoring and fixing fence stay physical work.
Age 16+. One way to start: Ask ranches, feed stores and the county extension office about ranch hand or day-work jobs
Classes: Agriscience (FFA), Welding CTE, Small-engine repair, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2093.
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