What You Need to Know About Animal Scientist
Job Description & Duties Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Animal Scientist Responsibilities
- Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.
- 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.
- Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
- Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.
- Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
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Animal Scientist Required Skills
These are the skills Animal Scientists say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Research Center Partner
- Dairy Nutrition Consultant
- Animal Biologist
- Animal Geneticist
- Nutrition Partner
Animal Scientist Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 6,100 jobs in the United States for Animal Scientist. 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. The BLS estimates 700 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Animal Scientists Salary
Animal Scientists make between $36,270 and $113,430 a year.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Animal Scientists
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
How do I Become an Animal Scientist?
Are there Animal Scientists education requirements?

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

Animal Scientists Sector

Below are examples of industries where Animal Scientists work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Animal Scientist might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Animal Scientist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Billy Hathorn via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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