Animal Scientists
O*NET 19-1011.00 · SOC 19-1011
Animal Scientist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $69k a year with +5.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design feeding trials to evaluate nutritional impacts on livestock growth.
- →Collect blood and tissue samples from animals for laboratory analysis.
- →Analyze reproductive performance data to improve herd breeding programs.
- →Evaluate genetic selection strategies to enhance livestock production traits.
- →Publish research findings on animal nutrition in peer-reviewed journals.
Education & How to Get In
Animal Scientist roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Animal Scientist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Animal Scientist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Animal Scientist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Animal Scientists is projected to grow 5.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Animal Scientist make?
The median Animal Scientist earns $69k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Animal Scientist jobs?
Our model puts Animal Scientist at 34 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Animal Scientist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Animal Scientist?
Animal Scientist roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become an Animal Scientist?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Animal Scientist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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