Animal Scientists Salary by State
The national median pay for animal scientists is $68,940 a year. By state, it ranges from $47,930 in Illinois to $132,830 in Texas.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $44,350
- 25th percentile
- $49,770
- Median
- $68,940
- 75th percentile
- $103,300
- Top 10%
- $166,000
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 3,100 jobs.
Median pay in 13 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $132,830 | +93% | $44,490 | $211,650 | 40 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $88,640 | +29% | $63,520 | $202,910 | 100 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $84,310 | +22% | $57,400 | $153,570 | 280 |
| 4 | Washington | $83,160 | +21% | $63,730 | $112,450 | 40 |
| 5 | Kansas | $80,090 | +16% | $59,370 | $126,760 | Not published |
| 6 | Maryland | $77,750 | +13% | $59,950 | $147,580 | 190 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $77,660 | +13% | $59,010 | $167,260 | 90 |
| 8 | South Dakota | $77,300 | +12% | $50,660 | $101,990 | 90 |
| 9 | Iowa | $75,290 | +9% | $50,580 | $186,390 | 60 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $72,100 | +5% | $51,320 | $153,500 | 40 |
| 11 | Michigan | $60,010 | −13% | $47,080 | $87,330 | 80 |
| 12 | Nebraska | $55,300 | −20% | $48,150 | $118,980 | 210 |
| 13 | Illinois | $47,930 | −30% | $39,630 | $66,510 | Not published |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Animal Scientists salary questions
Which state pays animal scientists the most?
Texas, with a median of $132,830 a year (+93% vs. the national median of $68,940). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays animal scientists the least?
Illinois, with a median of $47,930 a year (−30% vs. national).
Where do most animal scientists work?
Wisconsin has the most jobs, about 280, with a median of $84,310.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.