Also called: Buffalo Rancher, Bison Producer
Raises American bison on large pastures for meat, managing animals that are much wilder and stronger than cattle.
You drive the pasture at dawn counting bison and checking fences, because a 2,000-pound bull can walk through weak wire. In fall you move the herd through extra-tall chutes for testing, staying out of reach. Later you deliver meat to a restaurant that buys your whole animals.
Income varies widely; many ranchers have other income too.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. No degree required; many grow up ranching or start on someone else's ranch.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 4-year college. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Animal Science, Range Management, Agricultural Business.
Growing about average. Bison meat demand is growing slowly; about 400,000 live on US ranches and preserves.
Low risk for 10 years. Drones and sensors help watch herds, but handling bison and managing grassland stays human work.
Classes: Ag science, Biology, Business.
Official data: O*NET occupation 11-9013.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.