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.
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Annual wage data for Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
35,420
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $27,110. 25th percentile: U.S. $31,220. 50th percentile: U.S. $36,150. 75th percentile: U.S. $44,280. 90th percentile: U.S. $51,840. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $27,110 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $51,840 |
| Workers on average earn | $38,580 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
