Animal scientists
SOC Code: 19-1011Also known as:
Animal Anatomist, Animal Behaviorist, Animal Biologist, Animal Geneticist, Animal Nutrition Consultant
Median Annual Salary
$79,120
+5.8% growth (2024-2034)
200
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Animal scientists Do
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
💰 Salary
$79,120
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.8%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
200
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,800
Projected Employment (2034)
2,900
Related Careers
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980 •
-1.3% growth
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310 •
+6.5% growth
Soil and plant scientists
$71,410 •
+5.4% growth
Microbiologists
$87,330 •
+4.1% growth
Veterinarians
$125,510 •
+9.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Science
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
- Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
- Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
- Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
- Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
- Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
- Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Doctoral Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Animal scientists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a animal scientists:
Animal Sciences, General
7,535 degrees awarded •
124 colleges offer this program
Agriculture, General
3,276 degrees awarded •
151 colleges offer this program
Animal Sciences, Other
249 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Poultry Science
161 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Dairy Science
154 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Range Science and Management
153 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Animal Health
137 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Anthrozoology
55 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology
49 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology
42 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Animal scientists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become animal scientists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do animal scientists make?
The median annual salary for animal scientists is $79,120.
What education do animal scientists need?
Most animal scientists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Animal Sciences, General, Agriculture, General, Animal Sciences, Other.
Is becoming animal scientists a good career choice?
Animal scientists is projected to see +5.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for animal scientists?
Top colleges for aspiring animal scientists include
Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Texas A & M University-College Station, University of California-Davis.
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 scientists?
Animal scientists may also be known as: Animal Anatomist, Animal Behaviorist, Animal Biologist, Animal Geneticist, Animal Nutrition Consultant, Animal Nutritionist, Animal Scientist, Bacteriologist, Beef Cattle Nutritionist, Beef Cattle Specialist, Behaviorist, Companion Animal Nutritionist, Dairy Bacteriologist, Dairy Nutrition Consultant, Dairy Nutrition Specialist, Dairy Research Nutritionist, Dairy Scientist, Nutrition Partner, Nutrition Specialist, Poultry Scientist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.