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The average salary for a herdsman in the United States is reported to be $30,283 annually or around $15 per hour. Factors influencing this salary include geographical location, level of experience, and the specific industry in which one works. For example, herdsmen in states with a high demand for dairy production may earn more compared to those in regions with fewer agricultural opportunities.
When examining salaries across various states, there are significant differences. States known for extensive agricultural operations typically offer higher wages. The highest-paying states for herdsmen include California, Wisconsin, and Texas, where the agricultural sectors are robust and demand skilled labor. Additionally, positions in the dairy farming industry often provide better compensation compared to those in other sectors, such as livestock management.
To enhance earning potential, pursuing further education in agricultural sciences or gaining specialized skills in animal husbandry can be beneficial. Experience also plays a crucial role; herdsmen with several years of hands-on experience can negotiate higher wages. By leveraging these insights, aspiring herdsmen can make informed career choices that align with their financial goals.
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The average herdsman salary in Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average herdsman salary states are North Carolina, Iowa, and Montana.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | $37,572 | $18.06 |
| 2 | Maine | $37,070 | $17.82 |
| 3 | Rhode Island | $35,764 | $17.19 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $34,932 | $16.79 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $32,984 | $15.86 |
| 6 | New York | $35,011 | $16.83 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $29,859 | $14.36 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $31,958 | $15.36 |
| 9 | Ohio | $28,512 | $13.71 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $28,521 | $13.71 |
| 11 | New Jersey | $30,448 | $14.64 |
| 12 | West Virginia | $27,931 | $13.43 |
| 13 | Michigan | $27,555 | $13.25 |
| 14 | Georgia | $28,218 | $13.57 |
| 15 | Delaware | $29,463 | $14.16 |
| 16 | Nebraska | $27,775 | $13.35 |
| 17 | New Mexico | $27,630 | $13.28 |
| 18 | Kansas | $26,707 | $12.84 |
| 19 | Mississippi | $26,361 | $12.67 |
| 20 | Maryland | $28,173 | $13.54 |
| 21 | Missouri | $26,419 | $12.70 |
| 22 | Florida | $26,548 | $12.76 |
| 23 | Nevada | $26,101 | $12.55 |
| 24 | South Dakota | $24,719 | $11.88 |
| 25 | District of Columbia | $27,679 | $13.31 |
| 26 | Arizona | $24,783 | $11.91 |
| 27 | Oklahoma | $24,078 | $11.58 |
| 28 | Hawaii | $29,302 | $14.09 |
| 29 | Wyoming | $23,988 | $11.53 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $23,651 | $11.37 |
| 31 | Tennessee | $23,344 | $11.22 |
| 32 | South Carolina | $23,639 | $11.36 |
| 33 | Illinois | $24,409 | $11.74 |
| 34 | Washington | $24,816 | $11.93 |
| 35 | Alabama | $22,881 | $11.00 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $22,659 | $10.89 |
| 37 | Minnesota | $23,660 | $11.38 |
| 38 | Utah | $23,567 | $11.33 |
| 39 | Idaho | $23,007 | $11.06 |
| 40 | Virginia | $23,791 | $11.44 |
| 41 | Arkansas | $21,723 | $10.44 |
| 42 | California | $24,378 | $11.72 |
| 43 | Oregon | $23,213 | $11.16 |
| 44 | Iowa | $21,602 | $10.39 |
| 45 | Texas | $22,351 | $10.75 |
| 46 | North Carolina | $21,670 | $10.42 |
| 47 | Alaska | $21,006 | $10.10 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $20,983 | $10.09 |
| 49 | Indiana | $20,795 | $10.00 |
| 50 | Colorado | $21,682 | $10.42 |
| 51 | Montana | $21,449 | $10.31 |
The highest-paying cities for herdsmen are New York, NY, Seneca, KS, and Trenton, FL.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $34,823 | $16.74 |
| 2 | Seneca, KS | $26,735 | $12.85 |
| 3 | Trenton, FL | $26,524 | $12.75 |
| 4 | Shiocton, WI | $24,880 | $11.96 |
| 5 | Fresno, CA | $24,143 | $11.61 |
| 6 | Kaycee, WY | $24,023 | $11.55 |
| 7 | Slinger, WI | $23,723 | $11.41 |
| 8 | Goodhue, MN | $23,373 | $11.24 |
| 9 | Oakridge, OR | $23,264 | $11.18 |
| 10 | Reedsburg, WI | $23,229 | $11.17 |
| 11 | Carey, ID | $23,006 | $11.06 |
| 12 | Gaylord, MN | $22,955 | $11.04 |
| 13 | Snyder, TX | $22,427 | $10.78 |
| 14 | Canyon, TX | $22,364 | $10.75 |
| 15 | Franklinton, LA | $20,949 | $10.07 |
| 16 | Birdseye, IN | $20,317 | $9.77 |
A herdsman's salary ranges from $14,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $62,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $62,000 | $5,167 | $30 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,000 | $3,667 | $21 |
| Average | $30,283 | $2,524 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $20,000 | $1,667 | $10 |
| 10th Percentile | $14,000 | $1,167 | $7 |
The highest paying types of herdsmen are rider, shepherd, and wrangler.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Worker | $26,598 | $2,217 | $12.79 | 25,368 |
| Ranch Hand | $27,569 | $2,297 | $13.25 | 4,309 |
| Wrangler | $34,274 | $2,856 | $16.48 | 176 |
| Groom | $30,872 | $2,573 | $14.84 | 9,302 |
| Rider | $50,175 | $4,181 | $24.12 | 3,281 |
| Farm Labour | $26,720 | $2,227 | $12.85 | 25,319 |
The average herdsman salary varies across industries:
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional | $36,206 | $17.41 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $29,655 | $14.26 |
| 3 | Technology | $26,820 | $12.89 |
| 4 | Education | $26,365 | $12.68 |
| 5 | Agriculture | $25,561 | $12.29 |
| 6 | Health Care | $24,660 | $11.86 |
The average herdsman salary has risen by $7,308 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average herdsman earned $22,975 annually, but today, they earn $30,283 a year. That works out to a 19% change in pay for herdsmen over the last decade.
Compare herdsman salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare herdsman salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,300 | $14.56 | +4.5% |
| 2024 | $28,900 | $13.91 | +4.6% |
| 2023 | $27,600 | $13.27 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $26,500 | $12.73 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $25,500 | $12.26 | +3.1% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University | Herdsman | Corvallis, OR | 05/31/2025 | $29,635 |
| Oregon State University | Sheep Center Herdsman | Corvallis, OR | 03/27/2025 | $29,635 |
| Oregon State University | Animal & Rangeland Sciences Horse Center Herdsman | Corvallis, OR | 02/18/2025 | $29,635 |
| D & R Livestock | Herdsman-Livestock Parturition | Dixon, CA | 02/12/2025 | $41,677 |
| D & R Livestock | Herdsman-Livestock Parturition | Patterson, CA | 01/06/2025 | $41,677 |
| D & R Livestock | Herdsman-Livestock Parturition | Dixon, CA | 12/23/2024 | $41,677 |
| Pennridge Ranch, LLC | Herdman | Texas | 12/04/2024 | $36,523 |
| University of Wisconsin Madison | Beef Herdsman | Lancaster, WI | 12/04/2024 | $38,317 |
| GPAC | Herdsman (Cattle Operation) | West Union, IA | 10/21/2024 | $41,740 |
| Legendairy, Inc. | Dairy Herdsmen | Hoskins, NE | 10/02/2024 | $48,900 |
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