Cowboy Bob's Questions and Answers – page 163 – How much was a cowboy paid?

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Q&A Questions and Answers:

QUESTION:

I was just wondering if you know what an 1800’s cowboy’s pay would have been

– A. G.

ANSWER:

A working cowhand in the late 1800s was paid $25 to $30 a month “and found.” The phrase “and found” meant he also got his meals (and a bunk when he was at the ranch headquarters.) A top hand might even get $40 a month and a foreman $50 or more. On a drive, a trail boss was sometimes paid as much as $100. For comparison, back then a typical school teacher’s wage was $30 a month, and dinner in a restaurant would usually cost about 25 cents.

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