Pen Rider Courses
A Pen Rider moves cattle, monitors health, assists with transport, and maintains safety, using strong animal handling and teamwork skills.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Pen Rider
Get qualified to work as a Pen Rider with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
AHC33316
Get started in the beef cattle industry with the AHC33316 Certificate III in Feedlot Operations. This nationally recognised qualification teaches you how to clean and maintain cattle pens, mix and mill stockfeeds, remove manure and re-use effluent — as well as operate a range of farming equipment and machinery. Graduate with an arsenal of skills, ready to work at an Australian beef cattle feedlot.
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Common questions
How much does a Pen Rider earn?
In Australia, a full time Pen Rider generally earns $1,240 per week ($64,480 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Pen Rider?
This industry is expected to experience stable employment numbers in coming years. There are currently 8,000 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Pen Rider. Pen Riders may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly regional and rural areas.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Pen Rider?
If you’re interested in a career as a Pen Rider, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Feedlot Operations. This course will give you the skills to take on a range of roles in the beef cattle industry. You’ll cover topics including cleaning and maintaining cattle pens, mixing and milling stockfeeds, removing manure and reusing effluent and operating farming equipment and machinery.
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More information
A Pen Rider performs a range of duties at a cattle feedlot. You might move cattle between pens and help get them ready for transport. Pen Riders look out for any animals that may be sick or injured and ensure they get necessary treatment. You might carry out other duties such as counting cattle or assisting with weighing.
Pen Riders should have strong animal handling skills and excellent observational abilities. You’ll need to be able to communicate well and work as part of a team. Pen Riders must be able to work quickly and follow correct procedures. It’s important you can focus on safety in this role.
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