Animal Scientists
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Also called: Animal Anatomist, Animal Behaviorist, Animal Biologist, Animal Geneticist, Animal Nutrition Consultant, Animal Nutritionist
Median pay
$68,940
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$44,350 – $166,000
People employed
3,100
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Animal Scientists pay by state
Annual median pay by state (13 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What animal scientists do
- 01Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
- 02Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
- 03Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
- 04Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
- 05Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
- 06Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Biology
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Food Production
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from animal scientists
- Industrial Ecologists77% · group pay
- Environmental Restoration Planners75% · group pay
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary74% · +43%
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health73% · +19%
- Statisticians72% · +53%
Change into animal scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Industrial Ecologists77% · $82,220
- Environmental Restoration Planners75% · $82,220
- Nanosystems Engineers70% · $122,930
- Farm and Home Management Educators69% · $60,220
- Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists69% · $102,440
Majors that lead here
- Agriculture, General
- Apiculture
- Animal Sciences, General
- Agricultural Animal Breeding
- Animal Health
- Animal Nutrition
- Dairy Science
- Poultry Science
- Animal Sciences, Other
- Range Science and Management
- Large Animal/Food Animal and Equine Surgery and Medicine
- Veterinary Anatomy
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.