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Science

Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Animal Scientists
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Median pay

$79,120
Median annual pay for Animal Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

5.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

2,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Animal Scientists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Animal Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Science
  4. 4Writing
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Active Listening

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Biology
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Chemistry
  5. 5Food Production
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Speech Clarity

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Innovation
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Processing Information
  6. 6Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
  • Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
  • Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
  • Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyTableau · hot technologyStructured query language SQL · hot technologySAS · hot technologyOracle PeopleSoft · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyESRI ArcGIS software · hot technologyFEEDLOT CALC

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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