Animal Breeders
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.
Median pay: $51,130/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +2.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Feed and water animals, and clean and disinfect pens, cages, yards, and hutches.
• Observe animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary.
• Treat minor injuries and ailments and contact veterinarians to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries.
• Purchase and stock supplies of feed and medicines.
• Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics.
• Examine animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
• Build hutches, pens, and fenced yards.
• Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets.
What's the median pay for Animal Breeders?
The median pay for Animal Breeders is $51,130 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Animal Breeders?
Employment for Animal Breeders is projected to change +2.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Animal Breeders?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Animal Breeders?
About 1,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.