Livestock Handler Jobs in the USA Livestock farming is one of the most important aspects of the country’s thriving agricultural economy. On farms and ranches, livestock handlers are essential to preserving the health, safety, and welfare of animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry. Many U.S. firms are sponsoring foreign workers’ visas as the need for qualified personnel in this sector increases. The competitive hourly earnings for livestock handler positions in the United States in 2025 range from $12 to $16. The prospects for foreign workers looking for jobs as livestock handlers, the duties involved, and how to apply for jobs with visa sponsorship are all covered in this article.
Details of Livestock Handler Jobs in USA With Visa Sponsorship
Salary Expectations
Depending on the farm or ranch, the area, and the worker’s expertise, livestock handler positions in the US often pay competitive hourly salaries between $12 and $16.
Entry-Level Positions
- Wages for novice cattle handlers with little to no experience often begin around $12 per hour. These positions entail routine duties, including cleaning, feeding, and transporting animals. On-the-job training is frequently offered.
Experienced Workers
- Experienced livestock handlers can make up to $16 per hour or more, especially if they have specialized talents like animal breeding or veterinary care. These positions could entail herd management, animal health supervision, and making sure agricultural machinery runs smoothly.
Read Also: Welding Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Responsibilities
On farms and ranches, livestock handlers are in charge of the daily upkeep of the animals. Depending on the kind of animals they handle, their duties can vary, but typical duties include:
1. Feeding and Watering Animals
- It is the duty of livestock handlers to make sure that animals have access to enough food and water. This entails preparing and distributing feed, keeping an eye on the eating patterns of the animals, and ensuring that water sources are accessible and clean.
2. Monitoring Animal Health
- Animal handlers need to keep an eye out for any indications of disease, trauma, or odd behavior. They may help with normal health examinations and frequently collaborate closely with veterinarians to give drugs, vaccinations, or treatments.
3. Cleaning and Maintaining Living Areas
- A crucial aspect of the work is maintaining the cleanliness of barns, enclosures, and animal cages. Manure removal, bedding replacement, and maintaining hygienic, comfortable living circumstances for animals are the responsibilities of handlers.
4. Moving and Herding Livestock
- Moving animals from one part of the farm to another, like from grazing fields to barns or loading them into trucks for shipment, is the responsibility of livestock handlers. To prevent stress or harm, this calls for the ability to handle animals effectively and quietly.
5. Assisting with Animal Breeding
- Livestock handlers participate in animal breeding initiatives on some farms. This could entail keeping an eye on breeding cycles, helping with artificial insemination, and tending to infants or pregnant animals.
6. Maintaining Equipment and Farm Facilities
- Farm equipment, including feeds, water systems, and fences, frequently requires little maintenance from handlers. In order to securely shelter and handle cattle, they also make sure that farm facilities are in good condition.
7. Following Animal Welfare Standards
- To guarantee that animals are treated humanely, livestock handlers must abide by animal welfare regulations. This involves providing a healthy diet, controlling stress, and avoiding damage or overcrowding.
Requirements
Even though positions handling animals are typically seen as entry-level, businesses frequently seek applicants with specific abilities and credentials, particularly when sponsoring foreign workers’ visas. Typical prerequisites consist of
1. Basic Education
- The majority of jobs involving cattle handling require a high school degree or its equivalent. However, for certain positions, prior agricultural expertise or animal experience may be more valuable than formal schooling.
2. Experience in Animal Care
- Experience in farming, livestock handling, or animal care is a big plus, even though entry-level jobs do not need it. Candidates who feel at ease with large animals, like sheep, horses, or cattle, are frequently preferred by employers.
3. Physical Fitness
- Workers who handle livestock must be in good physical condition because it’s a physically hard job. Handlers need to be able to walk long distances, lift heavy objects, and carry out repeated duties like feeding animals or cleaning pens.
4. Knowledge of Basic Animal Care
- It is necessary to have a fundamental understanding of animal health and welfare. This entails being able to spot symptoms of disease or harm, knowing how to feed animals correctly, and handling them in a safe and compassionate manner.
5. Communication and Teamwork Skills
- Since livestock handlers frequently operate in teams, effective communication and teamwork are critical. Employees must be able to cooperate with other farmworkers and follow directions from managers.
6. Visa Eligibility
- To work in the United States, foreign employees must fulfill the necessary visa criteria. Employers may sponsor employees for a variety of livestock handler jobs under the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers Visa, which permits temporary or seasonal agricultural labor by foreign nationals. Documentation such as a current passport, evidence of education, and a clear background check will be required of candidates.
Benefits
1. Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
- You can work lawfully in the United States with an H-2A Temporary Agricultural Visa, which is sponsored by many employers.
- If the company is pleased with your performance, some jobs may lead to longer-term prospects.
- the potential to return every season or, with experience, switch to different visa options.
2. Competitive Salary & Overtime
- Typical hourly wages vary by state and employer, ranging from $12 to $20+.
- Particularly during the busiest farming seasons, overtime compensation could be offered.
- Bonuses based on performance may be offered for certain positions.
3. Free or Subsidized Housing
- Employers are required under H-2A regulations to offer free accommodation to employees who are unable to return home on a daily basis.
- usually consists of utilities and minimal furniture.
4. Free or Discounted Meals
- Free lunches or cooking facilities are provided by many companies.
- Some farms offer fresh farm products like milk, eggs, or vegetables, or they give out supermarket vouchers.
5. Practical Skill Development
- Learn how to take care of animals, feed them, monitor the health of the herd, breed them, keep records, and utilize the equipment.
- excellent starting point for jobs in agriculture.
6. Physical & Outdoor Work Environment
- Perfect for those who like doing practical, outside labor and taking care of animals.
- increases stamina and physical fitness.
7. Healthcare Access
- Basic health insurance is provided by some firms, particularly to long-term employees.
- All H-2A employees are protected against work-related accidents by worker’s compensation insurance.
8. Family Support & Community
- Some firms offer information about nearby communities with expat populations or help with family visa support.
- Employees frequently live and work in close-knit groups, which promotes solidarity and support.
How to Apply
Indeed, AgCareers, and ZipRecruiter.
Conclusion
Both domestic and foreign workers can find fulfilling employment as livestock handlers in the United States, particularly given the expanding need in the agriculture industry. These positions are perfect for people who are enthusiastic about caring for animals and working outside since they offer fair pay, opportunities to develop practical skills, sponsorship for visas under the H-2A program, and a number of benefits. If you are prepared to begin a rewarding career in cattle handling, look for jobs that fit your qualifications and provide visa assistance on job boards such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for livestock handler jobs in the USA?
Livestock handlers typically earn between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and farm type.
What qualifications are required for livestock handler positions?
Basic education (high school diploma or equivalent), physical fitness, and experience with animals are preferred. Some positions offer on-the-job training.
