Livestock Handler Jobs in USA, If you are passionate about working with animals and want to build a rewarding agricultural career abroad, Livestock Handler Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship 2025 offer a golden opportunity. The U.S. agricultural industry continues to expand, and there is a growing demand for skilled foreign workers to handle livestock, manage farms, and ensure animal welfare. These positions not only provide competitive pay — typically $12 to $16 per hour — but also offer the chance to live and work in America legally under visa sponsorship.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Livestock Handler Jobs in the USA, including job responsibilities, eligibility criteria, visa sponsorship process, and top hiring companies for 2025. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
What Does a Livestock Handler Do?
A Livestock Handler plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector by taking care of animals raised for food production, breeding, or farming operations. Handlers are responsible for the daily care, feeding, and monitoring of livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Feeding and watering animals regularly.
- Monitoring animal health and reporting illnesses or injuries.
- Assisting with breeding, birthing, and vaccination processes.
- Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, barns, and equipment.
- Loading and unloading animals for transport.
- Ensuring compliance with animal welfare and farm safety standards.
This role requires physical strength, attention to detail, and compassion for animals. It’s perfect for individuals who enjoy hands-on outdoor work in rural or farm environments. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
Average Salary for Livestock Handlers in the USA (2025)
In 2025, Livestock Handler jobs in the USA offer an average wage between $12 and $16 per hour, depending on the employer, state, and worker’s experience.
| Position Title | Hourly Wage (USD) | Annual Salary Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Livestock Handler | $12 | $24,000 – $26,000 |
| Experienced Livestock Worker | $14 | $28,000 – $32,000 |
| Farm Supervisor / Lead Handler | $16 | $33,000 – $36,000 |
In addition to hourly pay, many employers offer free housing, overtime pay, and health benefits, making it an excellent choice for international job seekers. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
Visa Sponsorship for Livestock Handler Jobs in the USA
One of the biggest advantages of these jobs is visa sponsorship. Many U.S. farms and agricultural companies hire foreign workers under temporary work visas like the H-2A visa.
1. H-2A Visa Program
The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal or temporary farm work when there are not enough domestic workers available. This visa is ideal for livestock handlers, farm laborers, and agricultural assistants. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
2. Benefits of H-2A Visa:
- Legal work authorization in the U.S.
- Employer covers transportation and housing.
- Fair wages as per U.S. Department of Labor standards.
- Opportunity to apply for visa renewal or future sponsorship.
3. Eligibility for H-2A Visa:
- Must be from an eligible country (India, Philippines, Nepal, Mexico, etc. are included).
- Must have experience in livestock handling or farm work.
- Should have no criminal record and good physical health.
- Must receive a job offer from a U.S. employer approved by the Department of Labor. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
Top U.S. States Hiring Livestock Handlers in 2025
The demand for livestock handlers is high across the U.S., especially in states with large agricultural operations. Some of the top states hiring in 2025 include:
- Texas – Major cattle ranches and dairy farms.
- Nebraska – Known for beef production.
- Iowa – Poultry and pig farms.
- Kansas – Extensive cattle and sheep operations.
- California – Dairy farms and mixed livestock businesses.
- Wisconsin – Dairy capital of the U.S.
- Oklahoma – Ranching and animal husbandry jobs.
These states often provide visa sponsorship and seasonal job contracts lasting 6 to 10 months. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
Top Companies Offering Livestock Handler Jobs with Visa Sponsorship 2025
Several American agricultural companies and farms hire international workers with visa sponsorship. Some of the leading names include:
- Tyson Foods Inc. – One of the largest meat producers in the U.S.
- JBS USA – Offers livestock handling and meat processing positions.
- Cargill Inc. – Provides opportunities in cattle and poultry management.
- Smithfield Foods – Known for hiring farm and livestock laborers under visa programs.
- Perdue Farms – Offers roles in poultry care and farm management.
- Sanderson Farms – Regularly sponsors foreign agricultural workers. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
How to Apply for Livestock Handler Jobs in the USA (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to apply successfully for a Livestock Handler Job with Visa Sponsorship in 2025:
- Search for H-2A Approved Employers:
Visit official portals like SeasonalJobs.dol.gov to find verified U.S. employers who sponsor agricultural visas. - Prepare Your Resume and Documents:
Include your farming or animal handling experience, educational qualifications, and references. - Apply Directly:
Send your application through company websites or recruitment agencies that specialize in U.S. agricultural jobs. - Attend an Online Interview:
Employers may conduct virtual interviews to test your experience and communication skills. - Receive a Job Offer & Visa Petition:
Once selected, your employer will file a Form I-129 for your H-2A visa with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). - Apply for Visa at U.S. Embassy:
Attend your visa interview with necessary documents (passport, job offer letter, visa petition approval). - Travel to the USA:
Once approved, you can travel and start working legally in the U.S. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
Skills Required for Livestock Handler Jobs
To increase your chances of being hired, employers prefer candidates who possess:
- Experience with livestock (feeding, cleaning, and health care).
- Ability to operate basic farm machinery.
- Physical fitness and endurance.
- Basic English communication skills.
- Knowledge of animal welfare and farm safety protocols.
Why Choose a Livestock Handler Career in the USA?
✅ Legal visa sponsorship (H-2A program).
✅ Steady employment with fair wages ($12–$16/hour).
✅ Free or low-cost accommodation.
✅ Opportunity to gain international farm experience.
✅ Pathway to long-term agricultural employment in the U.S.
Conclusion
In 2025, Livestock Handler Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship offer excellent earning potential and a stable career for individuals passionate about working with animals. With the U.S. agricultural sector facing labor shortages, international workers have a great chance to secure legal employment through the H-2A visa program. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA
If you’re ready to start your journey, update your resume, explore job listings on official U.S. government sites, and apply for Livestock Handler Jobs today — where you can earn $12 to $16 per hour while gaining valuable experience in one of the world’s top agricultural industries. Livestock Handler Jobs in USA