Career comparison
Agricultural Sciences Professor vs. Animal Scientist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Agricultural sciences professors earn more at the median ($98,700 vs. $68,940), while animal scientists usually get to work faster (4-year degree of training). Agricultural sciences professors teach and research crops, livestock, soils and food production. Animal scientists research livestock nutrition, breeding and health to improve food production.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Agricultural Sciences Professor | Animal Scientist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $98,700 | $68,940 ($33.14/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $50,870 – $163,150 | $44,350 – $166,000 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.9% (about as fast as average) | +5.8% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 800 | 200 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | 4-year degree |
| Key credential | Ph.D. in agricultural science | PAS |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, labs, research farms and in the field.. | Animal scientists work in labs, farms and offices.. |
What each job does
Agricultural Sciences Professor
- Teach agriculture courses
- Run field and lab research
- Work with extension programs
- Advise students and clubs
- Write grants
Animal Scientist
- Research nutrition
- Design feed rations
- Study genetics
- Study welfare
- Advise producers
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors and hands-on work. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and agriculture, landscaping & animal care, but share transferable skills such as communication with farmers and curiosity.
Which should you choose?
Choose agricultural sciences professor if…
- I love agriculture
- I like field research
- I enjoy teaching
Choose animal scientist if…
- I love animals and agriculture
- I like science
- I don’t mind farms
Still torn? Take the Agricultural Sciences Professor fit quiz and the Animal Scientist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, agricultural sciences professor or animal scientist?
Agricultural Sciences Professors earn more at the median: $98,700 versus $68,940 for animal scientists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Animal Scientists typically train faster (4-year degree) than agricultural sciences professors (5–7 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects animal scientists to grow +5.8% from 2025–35, compared with +2.9% for agricultural sciences professors.