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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Animal Scientists

Median Salary
70,140
Job Outlook
+8%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,100 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$48,290

10%

$70,140

Median

$135,730

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    43%

  • Master's degree

    21%

  • Bachelor's degree

    13%

  • Post-doctoral training

    13%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Animal Sciences, Other
  • Agriculture, General
  • Animal Sciences, General
  • Poultry Science
  • Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology
  • Dairy Science
  • Range Science and Management
  • Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health
  • Animal Health
  • Large Animal/Food Animal and Equine Surgery and Medicine
  • Agricultural Animal Breeding
  • Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology
  • Veterinary Infectious Diseases
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Anthrozoology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • English Language
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.