Animal breeders
SOC Code: 45-2021Also known as:
Animal Breeder, Animal Husbandman, Animal Husbandry Technician, Animal Technician, Artificial Insemination Technician (AI Technician)
Median Annual Salary
$52,000
+2.4% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
8K
Current Jobs
What Animal breeders Do
Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.
💰 Salary
$52,000
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
7,900
Projected Employment (2034)
8,100
Related Careers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980 •
-1.3% growth
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320 •
+8.7% growth
Animal trainers
$38,750 •
+5.1% growth
Animal caretakers
$33,470 •
+12.1% growth
Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals
$36,150 •
-5.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Science
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Feed and water animals, and clean and disinfect pens, cages, yards, and hutches.
- Observe animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary.
- Treat minor injuries and ailments and contact veterinarians to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries.
- Purchase and stock supplies of feed and medicines.
- Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics.
- Examine animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
- Build hutches, pens, and fenced yards.
- Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets.
- Brand, tattoo, or tag animals to allow animal identification.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Animal breeders
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a animal breeders:
Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
841 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management
458 degrees awarded •
43 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Animal breeders
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become animal breeders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do animal breeders make?
The median annual salary for animal breeders is $52,000.
What education do animal breeders need?
Most animal breeders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production, Horse Husbandry/Equine Science and Management.
Is becoming animal breeders a good career choice?
Animal breeders is projected to see +2.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for animal breeders?
Top colleges for aspiring animal breeders include
Texas A & M University-College Station, Mid-America Technology Center, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Ohio State University-Main Campus, University of Kentucky.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to animal breeders?
Animal breeders may also be known as: Animal Breeder, Animal Husbandman, Animal Husbandry Technician, Animal Technician, Artificial Insemination Technician (AI Technician), Artificial Inseminator, Aviculturist, Bee Breeder, Breeder, Canary Breeder, Cat Breeder, Chicken Fancier, Dairy Husbandman, Dairy Husbandry Worker, Dog Breeder, Equine Breeder, Fur Farmer, Horse Breeder, Husbandry Technician, Large Animal Husbandry Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.