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Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career
Animal Scientist
Also called: Animal Nutritionist · Livestock Scientist · Dairy Scientist · Animal Geneticist
What animal scientists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an animal scientist do?
Animal scientists conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development of domestic farm animals. The median pay is $68,940 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year degree, and employment is projected to grow +5.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$68,940$33.14/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.8%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4-year degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs3,400Employment, 2025
What animal scientists do
Animal scientists improve how farm animals are raised. They research feed and nutrition, breeding and genetics, animal welfare and health, advise farmers and work for feed companies, universities and government.
A bachelor’s degree is typical; research roles often need a graduate degree. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Research nutrition
- Design feed rations
- Study genetics
- Study welfare
- Advise producers
- Run trials
- Write reports
Work environment and schedule
Animal scientists work in labs, farms and offices.
Schedule: Full time, with early farm visits.
A day in the life
- Check animals in a feed trial.
- Collect data.
- Formulate a ration.
- Meet a dairy farmer.
See a full day in the life of an animal scientist →
Animal Scientist salary
Half of animal scientists earned more than $68,940 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,350 for the lowest 10% to $166,000 for the top 10%.
Full animal scientist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an animal scientist
- Earn an animal science degree
- Work on farms
- Do research
- Earn a graduate degree if needed
- Get hired
A bachelor’s degree in animal science is typical; research roles often need a master’s or Ph.D.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an animal scientist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Animal nutrition
- Ration formulation
- Genetics
- Research design
- Statistics
People skills
- Curiosity
- Communication
- Patience
- Practicality
All animal scientist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Work with animals
- Food security impact
- Field and lab
Cons
- Farm smells and weather
- Grad degree for research
- Rural locations
- Trial timelines
Certifications and licenses
- PAS: Professional Animal Scientist (ARPAS).
- Master’s or Ph.D.: For research.
- Animal welfare auditor: PAACO.
- BQA certification: Beef Quality Assurance.
Career path
- Research Assistant: Entry.
- Animal Scientist: Research.
- Senior Nutritionist: Lead.
- Research Director: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Animal Scientist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as balance a livestock ration and score body condition in cattle, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Animal Scientist vs. Vet Tech · Animal Scientist vs. Agriculture Professor · Animal Scientist vs. Farm Manager · Animal Scientist vs. Soil and Plant Scientist
Animal Scientist FAQ
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Do I need a graduate degree?
For research, often.
Where do animal scientists work?
Feed companies, universities and government.
How much does an animal scientist make?
The median annual wage for animal scientists was $68,940 ($33.14 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,350 and the highest 10% earned more than $166,000.
How long does it take to become an animal scientist?
Most people need about 4-year degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in animal science is typical; research roles often need a master’s or Ph.D.
Do you need a degree to be an animal scientist?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More animal scientist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-1011 (Animal scientists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Animal scientists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.