A ranch is land used for grazing livestock. Ranchers raise animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. The average ranch size in the U.S. is 442 acres, but ranches range from quite large to very small family operations. Ranchers make money by selling the animals they raise. Additional income comes from services like boarding horses.
Daily Work on a Ranch
Ranchers spend most of their time outdoors, herding cattle between pastures, maintaining fences and buildings, and caring for sick animals. Using all-terrain vehicles is common. The median annual salary for a rancher in 2019 was $71,160. An aspiring rancher might first work as a ranch hand, earning an average of $13.92 per hour. The job outlook for ranchers is projected to slightly decline from 2019 to 2029.
Lifestyle Benefits and Income
Owning a ranch can provide benefits like family time and enjoying nature. With wise property choices and careful land management, ranches can also provide income.
- Small family ranches: about 200 acres.
- Large family ranches: start at 1,400 acres.
Ranchers commonly earn $35,000-$135,000 annually. To become a rancher, a high school diploma is typically required, and hands-on experience working on a ranch is also extremely valuable.