As the horse racing sector contends with labor shortages, these are the jobs up for grabs

It’s no secret that labor shortages have come to dominate conversations about the economy. Bars, restaurants, car dealerships, airports, hotels, and countless other sectors are facing some of the most significant staff shortages in decades as demand surges, especially in the US and UK.

One sector that is certainly not immune from the phenomenon is the horse racing industry, which has been contending with a bubbling labor shortage for a while now. If you’re intrigued by the multi-billion-dollar horse racing sector and want to know what kinds of jobs are up for grabs, read on to find out.

Jockey

Granted, not everyone can be a jockey. It is essential that any candidate meet strict physical requirements, not least weighing very little so that the horse is as unencumbered as possible on race day. Demand for qualified jockeys is currently intense, with salaries being pushed up as a result. Not only can regular jockeys expect a median salary of $48,000, but the best can also compete for grand prizes worth tens of millions of dollars.

Hospitality Staff

Much like every other sector, hospitality staff is in great demand in the horse racing sector right now. The gamut of jobs available here is broad, given the fact that most racecourses operate as all-day-long pleasure palaces. Waiters, concierge staff, glass collectors, assistants and chefs are all wanted by the world’s busiest racing tracks. Salaries vary broadly, but the main draw is the tips, which can often be substantial on major race days.

Bookmaker

Arguably the main reason many attendees actually come to the races is to spend big on bets. That’s why qualified bookies are always wanted in the horse racing industry. Any successful bookmaker needs to understand all of the rules and lingo when taking bets, which this horse racing guide by the bookmaker William Hill explains well. Early career bookmakers in the US can expect to earn around $52,000 per year.

Track Operations Manager

A racetrack is more than just a field to race horses on. It is a sprawling professional sports facility where dozens of people work alongside extremely rare and valuable animals. As such, track operations managers play a vital role in keeping things ticking. They will be responsible for ensuring that the track turf is in perfect condition, the stables are well run, everyone gets paid on time, and the hospitality facilities are up to snuff. Qualified and experienced track operations managers can easily earn in excess of six figures at top-tier tracks.

Breeders

Breeding is big business, as evidenced by the fact that breeders can now fetch up to $70 million for a single horse. Qualified horse breeders are few and far between, making this a very tight job market where everyone involved seems to know each other. If you are able to make it as a successful breeder, the process of raising a horse to healthy adulthood can be long and arduous, but the payoff can be worth millions of dollars.

These are some of the jobs that you can pursue in the horse racing sector right now. Check your local racetrack to see if they are hiring someone like you.