Animal Breeders

Animal breeders focus on selecting and breeding animals to produce offspring with specific desirable characteristics. Their daily tasks involve identifying objects, actions, and events, as well as performing general physical activities to handle and move animals. They must carefully monitor processes and surroundings to track animal health, heat cycles, and birth intervals. Documenting and recording information is a key part of the job, as breeders must maintain accurate pedigree and breeding records.

This role requires a realistic interest area, meaning workers enjoy practical, hands-on tasks. Success in this field relies on skills like critical thinking, active learning, and complex problem solving to make sound judgments regarding animal selection. Breeders need a strong foundation in biology, production and processing, and customer and personal service. They must also demonstrate work styles such as dependability, attention to detail, and perseverance when managing animal care and breeding schedules.

To enter this career, individuals typically need a high school diploma. The role is classified as requiring some preparation, which usually involves a combination of a high school education and some on-the-job training or prior experience.

Students interested in this pathway often pursue college majors in Agricultural Production Operations. To demonstrate expertise, workers can earn the NCLCA Principles of Livestock Selection and Evaluation Certification from the National Collegiate Livestock Coaches' Association. Additionally, some states list specific licensing requirements for people performing this work.

In 2025, the median annual pay for animal breeders was $51,130. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $38,480 and the highest 10% earning more than $90,550.

There were 1,330 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to change by 3%, which is as fast as average for all occupations. Despite the relatively small total employment count, the field is projected to have 1,000 job openings each year.