How to become animal breederseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Agriculture Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$51,130
25th–75th pct. $44,320–$62,080
Top pay (est.)
$117,700
Top 10% $90,550
Pay in 5 years
$59,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$69,400est.
$59,700–$80,600
Outlook score
59/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
29%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.0%
1,000 openings / yr

How to become animal breeders

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Animal Breeders

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.2
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Complex Problem Solving
2.9
Science
2.9
Operations Monitoring
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
5.0
Sales and Marketing
4.8
Administrative
4.0
Administration and Management
4.0
Mathematics
3.6
Economics and Accounting
3.5
Biology
3.4
Production and Processing
3.3

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleGetting Information

Important abilities

Near VisionFinger DexterityOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningTrunk StrengthOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
86%
Post-secondary certificate
6%
Some college
4%
Bachelor's degree
3%

Training before entry

1–3 months
28%
3–6 months
26%
1–2 years
19%
None / short demo
12%
Up to 1 month
9%
6–12 months
6%

Related work experience

1–2 years
47%
3–6 months
24%
None
12%
6–12 months
12%
2–4 years
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as animal breeders

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.