What You Need to Know About Animal Scientist
Career Description Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
A Day in the Life of an Animal Scientist
- Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
- Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
- Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.
- Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
- 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.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Animal Scientist?
Below is a list of the skills most Animal Scientists say are important on the job.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Other Animal Scientist Job Titles
- Animal Biologist
- Research Center Partner
- Bacteriologist
- Research Scientist
- Animal Behaviorist
Is There Job Demand for Animal Scientists?
There were about 6,100 jobs for Animal Scientist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Animal Scientist by 2026. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Animal Scientist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Animal Scientist are Washington, Nebraska, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Oregon, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Animal Scientist
The typical yearly salary for Animal Scientists is somewhere between $36,270 and $113,430.

Animal Scientists who work in Maryland, Nebraska, or Ohio, make the highest salaries.
How much do Animal Scientists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
California | $56,840 |
Colorado | $61,010 |
Georgia | $62,210 |
Illinois | $54,610 |
Indiana | $67,510 |
Iowa | $74,830 |
Kansas | $81,310 |
Maryland | $128,700 |
Michigan | $71,230 |
Minnesota | $69,860 |
Missouri | $81,780 |
Nebraska | $93,140 |
New York | $62,140 |
North Carolina | $61,030 |
Ohio | $76,240 |
Oklahoma | $40,060 |
Pennsylvania | $52,420 |
South Dakota | $59,960 |
Texas | $52,360 |
Wisconsin | $70,030 |
What Tools do Animal Scientists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Animal Scientists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- SAS
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Tableau
- Palm OS
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software
Becoming an Animal Scientist
What education is needed to be an Animal Scientist?

What work experience do I need to become an Animal Scientist?

Who Employs Animal Scientists?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Animal Scientist may also be interested in:
Those who work as an Animal Scientist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Billy Hathorn via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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