Range Managers

O*NET 19-1031.02 · SOC 19-1031

Range Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $73k a year with +5.3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 2,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+5.3%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$73k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
2k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Evaluate rangeland condition by measuring forage production levels.
  • →Develop grazing rotation schedules to prevent overgrazing of pastures.
  • →Monitor invasive plant species spread across rangeland areas.
  • →Work with ranchers to implement sustainable livestock grazing plans.
  • →Collect vegetation data to track rangeland health over time.

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Range Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Range Manager? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Range Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningEvaluate rangeland condition by measuring forage production levels.
MiddayDevelop grazing rotation schedules to prevent overgrazing of pastures.
AfternoonMonitor invasive plant species spread across rangeland areas.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)5.8
Investigative (Thinkers)5.0
Enterprising (Persuaders)4.4
Conventional (Organizers)3.7
Social (Helpers)2.4
Artistic (Creators)1.5

Who Thrives as Range Manager?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonENTJThe CommanderESTPThe DynamoESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Range Manager Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Foresters+2.2%Renewable Energy Project Engineer+3.7%Solar Energy Systems Engineers+3.7%Conservation Scientists+5.3%Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar+3.7%Transportation Engineers+6.4%Petroleum Engineers+2%Environmental Restoration Planners+6.1%

Explore More Careers

Best Technology Careers →Best Business Careers →Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Range Managers is projected to grow 5.3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

33/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Range Manager make?

The median Range Manager earns $73k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Range Manager jobs?

Our model puts Range Manager at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Range Manager a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 5.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 2,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Range Manager?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Range Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Range Manager?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Range Manager career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes