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Animal Scientist

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What is an Animal Scientist?

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

Life As an Animal Scientist

  • Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.
  • Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
  • Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
  • Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.
  • Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
  • Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.

Qualities of an Animal Scientist

Below is a list of the skills most Animal Scientists say are important on the job.

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

  • Animal Geneticist
  • Dairy Bacteriologist
  • Nutritionist
  • Dairy Nutrition Consultant
  • Research Scientist

Is There Job Demand for Animal Scientists?

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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 700 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of an Animal Scientist

The average yearly salary of an Animal Scientist ranges between $36,270 and $113,430.

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Animal Scientists who work in Maryland, Nebraska, or Ohio, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Animal Scientists in different U.S. states.

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

What Tools do Animal Scientists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Animal Scientists:

  • 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?

What education or degrees do I need to become an Animal Scientist?

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Animal Scientist?

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Where Animal Scientists Work

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Below are examples of industries where Animal Scientists work:

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Similar Careers

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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