Careers · Farming, fishing and forestry

Animal Breeders

Animal breeders select and breed animals based on genealogy, characteristics, and desired offspring traits. Work occurs on farms, ranches, and breeding facilities. The role requires knowledge of genetics, animal health, and often artificial insemination techniques, along with careful record-keeping of breeding cycles and pedigrees.

$51,130median pay, U.S., per year

$44,320–$62,080middle half earn

1,330employed in the U.S.

High school diplomatypical education · 4% hold a bachelor’s or higher

LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.

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A day in the work

Animal breeders spend time evaluating animals for breeding potential, monitoring heat cycles, and recording breeding data. Tasks include maintaining breeding schedules, performing artificial insemination when needed, tracking offspring development, and managing animal health records. Much of the week involves hands-on animal care, equipment maintenance, and detailed documentation of genetic and reproductive information.

Who this work suits

Realistic

89Conventional

43Investigative

40Social

23Enterprising

17Artistic

Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You do well in this work if you prefer working with concrete, observable facts and established procedures rather than abstract concepts. You likely enjoy practical, structured work and have patience for detailed record-keeping. A genuine interest in animal genetics and livestock management, combined with attention to detail, prepares you for success in this career.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.

Skills that matter most

Critical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingScienceActive LearningMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementBiologyMathematics (knowledge)Administrative

Pay by state

State	25th pct	Median	75th pct	Employed
Ohio	$49,300	$68,980	$111,150	80
California	$55,120	$59,280	$73,320	410
Alabama	$26,860	$53,200	$63,930	60
Wisconsin	$42,900	$51,130	$54,390	40
Texas	$44,380	$48,410	$62,100	60
New York	$46,530	$48,350	$58,720	140
Minnesota	$47,630	$47,900	$49,340	170
South Dakota	$43,260	$44,850	$45,980	40
Nebraska	$39,710	$40,220	$42,660	40

All 9 states

Ohio · $68,980 California · $59,280 Alabama · $53,200 Wisconsin · $51,130 Texas · $48,410 New York · $48,350 Minnesota · $47,900 South Dakota · $44,850 Nebraska · $40,220

Certifications people in this field hold

Board Certified in Animal Food Science — American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists

Training

Local training programs Certifications Licenses in your state Apprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Agricultural Inspectors Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Agricultural Equipment Operators Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals Agricultural Workers, All Other First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers Fishing and Hunting Workers

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal breeders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.

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O*NET-SOC 45-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.